Day one of the highly anticipated inquest into the death of Jari Wise from Huon Valley began at the Hobart Magistrates Court this morning.
Coroner Simon Cooper is leading the inquest, which was granted by former Attorney-General Elise Archer in 2023 and aims to determine whether Wise intentionally stepped in front of the car that resulted in his death.
“I am deeply concerned and acknowledge the impact of these proceedings on the family and friends of Mr Wise,” Archer said at the time.
“I have not made this decision lightly, but it is my sincere belief that this will assist Mr Wise’s loved ones to find the answers that they seek.”
Melissa Oates, Wise’s former partner and the driver of the car, is scheduled to give evidence on Wednesday, alongside Wise’s mother.
The court learned that both Oates and Wise were together on the night of the incident, despite having court orders preventing their contact, however they appeared to be on good terms – as reported by WIN.
Oates was driving at a high speed and had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit when she struck and killed Wise, with a forensic pathologist saying Wise’s death would have been nearly instantaneous.
She has previously served jail time for dangerous driving, drink driving, and failing to stop and assist in an accident.
In court, friend Katie Shead admitted that a previous statement she had given to the police in 2020 was incorrect, saying Wise had not previously jumped out in-front of the car, but rather he had been facing away from it.
The inquest is set to continue on Wednesday.
