A 22-year-old champion Tasmanian boxer who was killed in a crash that saw her lose control of her vehicle “whilst travelling at very high speed” was high on “numerous illicit and prescription drugs” at the time, a Corner has found.
Danni Clayton was “travelling at a speed of 174 km/h” in the lead up to the July 2022 crash on the Midland Highway at Launceston and found with drugs, including methamphetamine and cannabis, in her system.
Coroner Olivia McTaggart said on the night of the crash, an impaired Clayton narrowly missed hitting another car travelling in the opposite direction before crashing into a rock face.
She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the Launceston General Hospital a short time later.
The coroner said Clayton was not wearing her seatbelt and may have been distracted by using her mobile phone to stream music.
“The only cause of Ms Clayton’s death was her own reckless driving at almost twice the speed limit for the road,” McTaggart said.
“The death of Ms Clayton represents the loss of life of a talented young woman and highlights the lasting impact on her family, loved ones and community.”
Clayton had represented Australia in boxing but had not boxed in the 12 months prior to her death due to a back injury.
Four months before the fatal crash, Clayton had caused another crash in which she crossed the centre line and collided head on with another vehicle and was due to be charged with minor cannabis and traffic offences.
