A coroner has pointed to the inherent risks of adventurous activities after a “very competent climber” fell over 100 metres to his death.
Launceston man Samuel Liam Whinnett, 38, was attempting the Skyline Traverse with friends on April 2, 2023, when he lost his footing on a wet rock and fell.
In her findings, Coroner Olivia McTaggart said Whinnett, who was in good health and physically fit, had many years of experience and was “dedicated to the sport”.
He had successfully completed the Skyline Traverse, an unmarked mountaineering route that spans the four summits of Cradle Mountain, about a year earlier.
After reaching the top of the first peak, Little Horn, on the morning of April 2, Whinnett and his three friends moved on to Weindorfers Tower.
At this point, Whinnett chose to navigate a boulder blocking the path to the left, a decision that proved fatal.
One of his friends, having assessed the potential risks, opted instead for the right-hand route, which appeared less steep and less affected by black lichen.
Moments later, the group heard the sound of slipping and watched as Whinnett fell down the face of the mountain.
McTaggart said the lichen-covered rocks become hazardous after rainfall and that Whinnett “was aware” of this, noting the area had received 8.4mm of rain the night before the climb.
“This case highlights that death is one of the risks accepted by those choosing to embark upon such a recreational activity, even in the case of experienced climbers,” McTaggart said in her findings.
She said Parks and Wildlife (PWS) has taken “commendable steps” in recent years to address the issues of visitor safety within the national park.
“It is apparent that PWS continues to carefully consider its safety strategy and how, on the one hand, it may achieve an appropriate balance between providing information, guidance and regulation and on the other, allowing walkers to engage freely in a particular activity,” McTaggart said.
Following Whinnett’s death, his family said their “beautiful Sam” was “the kindest, most generous and loving soul”.
“Sam was passionate about the environment and he was doing what he loved, spending time in the Tasmanian wilderness, when he was tragically taken,” the family said.
