A hiker died of hypothermia in Tasmania’s remote south-west carrying a secondhand emergency beacon that could not send a distress signal because it had no active subscription, a coroner has found.
Jason Bradley de Plater, 54, died between December 27 and December 28, 2024 while walking the Western Arthur Range Traverse, one of Tasmania’s toughest multi-day walks.
De Plater set out at Scotts Peak in December 2024. On December 26 he texted his family to say bad weather was forecast, so he planned to descend and turn back.
The next day, another walker passed him on the track in hail and high wind.
De Plater appeared disoriented and asked the walker where the track was, according to the coroner’s findings.
On December 28, the same walker found de Plater lying face down near Alpha Moraine. Nearby were discarded boots, socks and a wet sleeping bag.
The walker set off his emergency beacon and a rescue helicopter was dispatched. Police later recovered the body.
Coroner Madeleine Wilson found de Plater carried a Garmin Inreach Explorer Plus he had bought on eBay in November 2024.
It had no active satellite subscription, so its SOS function did not work.
“Care should be taken when purchasing second hand emergency devices to ensure that individuals are aware of the device’s operational requirements, including (in appropriate cases) the requirement to obtain current, active subscriptions and to ensure that the device is in working order and fit for purpose,” Wilson said.
Toxicology tests detected THC and 4.42 grams of cannabis was found in his pack.
Wilson says cannabis use in the wilderness could impair judgment and increase the risk of hypothermia.
She also noted de Plater wore an Akubra-style hat rather than a beanie, suggesting he underestimated the changeable summer weather.
Wilson found de Plater had made the right call to turn back and died on the return journey.
She made no formal recommendations but urged walkers to carry a working locator beacon, avoid hiking alone and learn the signs of hypothermia.
