A Tasmanian coroner has been unable to pinpoint whether a loose dog, torrential rain or speeding sent a motorcyclist crashing through a fence in a crash that later claimed his life.
Coroner Olivia McTaggart investigated the death of Damian Brian Thompson, 71, who lost control of his motorcycle on Swamp Road at Kindred on January 3, 2024.
Thompson was riding home in torrential rain when he crashed through a barbed wire fence and landed in a paddock, suffering severe injuries to his left leg and hand.
He died on March 5, 2024, after his recovery was complicated by existing medical conditions and a COVID-19 infection.
But the reason he lost control on the curve could not be established.
The witness first at the scene saw a dog without an owner in the area of the crash.
It was later found the dog had escaped from what was thought to be secure fencing on a nearby property.
“I am not able to make a finding that Mr Thompson lost control of his motorcycle whilst trying to avoid the dog,” McTaggart said.
“It is possible that this is the case but there is insufficient evidence to make a finding to the requisite standard.”
McTaggart said there was also a suggestion Thompson may have been travelling faster than usual, possibly trying to “beat the storm”.
Alternatively, he may have simply lost control in the extremely wet conditions, she said.
“Ultimately, I am not able to determine the reasons for his loss of control and crash,” McTaggart said.
“I am satisfied, however, that no other person or motorist was involved.”
