Inquest into the Death of Damien Lyndon WOODS
Inquest into the Death of Damien Lyndon WOODS
Delivered on : 26 March 2024
Delivered at : Perth
Finding of : Coroner Jenkin
Recommendations : No
Orders/Rules : No
Suppression Order : N/A
Summary : Damien Lyndon Woods (Damien) was 18-years of age when he went missing at about 1.45 pm on 27 February 2021. At the time, Damien and some family members were fishing off rocks near Cheynes in Waychinicup National Park, about 68 km east of Albany.
A large wave washed Damien and his cousin into the sea.
Damien’s cousin was rescued by the crew on a vessel from the Albany Sea Search and Rescue service about two hours later, Damien has never been found despite an extensive search co-ordinated by the Police. The search included foot and vehicle patrols, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, rescue vessels, jet skis, and a police drone.
A thorough police investigation (including proof of life checks) had failed to unearth any evidence that Damien is alive, and that since 27 February 2021, Damien has made no contact with any person, and there have been no reported sightings of him.
The coroner found that the available evidence had established, beyond all reasonable doubt, that Damien drowned on 27 February 2021, in the waters of the Indian Ocean near Cheynes in Waychinicup National Park.
The coroner was also satisfied that police had deployed extensive resources, and the search operation they co-ordinated was comprehensive and appropriate.
Catch Words : Rock fishing : Drowning : Disappearance : Accident
Last updated: 24 January 2025