A Tasmanian man who died in a head-on crash on the Bass Highway over the Easter long weekend last year likely suffered a medical episode or fell asleep at the wheel, a coroner has found.
Craig Anthony Twining died on April 1, 2024, after his white Toyota Hilux crossed centre lines at Exton and collided with an oncoming truck.
The 61-year-old sustained severe injuries to his head, spine, trunk, pelvis and limbs and died at the scene.
Coroner Simon Cooper found the truck driver was not to blame for the crash.
“[She] did everything she could but was unable to avoid the collision,” he said.
Toxicology tests showed no alcohol or illicit drugs in the truck driver’s system and her vehicle was deemed roadworthy.
The crash happened in fine weather on a dry road. There was no evidence either driver was speeding or using a mobile phone at the time.
Twining had his cruise control engaged when the collision occurred.
“The most likely explanation for Mr Twining’s vehicle travelling into the wrong lane is that he suffered a medical event or that he fell asleep,” Cooper said.
An autopsy revealed Twining was obese and had an enlarged heart. A small amount of alcohol was detected in his system.
“There is no evidence to support the proposition that the crash occurred as a result of a deliberate act on the part of Mr Twining,” the coroner said.
Cooper recommended first-degree relatives undergo cardiac screening as a precaution, noting “the possibility of cardiomyopathy cannot be excluded”.
