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Coroner Finds 11-Year-Old’s 2021 Death Was From Brown Snake Bite, Likely Preventable

No referral for prosecution followed the findings after the 2024 manslaughter case was discontinued.

Overview

  • Coroner Ainslie Kirkegaard concluded Tristian James Frahm died from brown snake envenomation that caused a fatal internal haemorrhage.
  • The inquest found earlier medical attention would likely have saved him, despite the absence of obvious bite marks at the time.
  • Adults on the property misattributed his vomiting and abdominal pain to alcohol and sent him to bed, though toxicology found no alcohol in his system.
  • Experts noted major haemorrhage occurs in about 3% of brown snake cases and that only around 20% of snakebite patients receive correct pre-hospital first aid.
  • Kirkegaard urged immediate emergency response for any suspected snakebite, including a firm pressure‑immobilisation bandage and keeping the person still.