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Coroner Rules Misadventure in Queensland Drowning of Welsh Father and Son

The Newport inquest found both deaths were consistent with drowning after surf conditions shifted without warning.

Overview

  • Robin Reed, 46, and his son Owen, 17, from Caerphilly died on April 13 at Round Hill Head in Seventeen Seventy during a holiday day trip.
  • Coroner Rose Farmer concluded Robin drowned while attempting to rescue Owen after he was swept out as conditions rapidly deteriorated.
  • Forensic pathologist Dr Jack Garland testified that both deaths were consistent with drowning, with Owen likely carried out by a rip current.
  • Emergency services, including a retrieval helicopter, recovered Owen from the shore at about 4pm and pronounced him dead at 4.15pm, and located Robin at 4.40pm with death recorded at 4.45pm.
  • Witnesses described the water turning rough in an instant and said they had not seen signs indicating the beach was unsafe for swimming.