A Tasmanian man who died when his four-wheel drive slammed into a tree was heavily affected by drugs and likely distracted by his phone moments before the fatal crash, a coroner has found.
Jason Peter Wilson, 51, lost control of his Holden Captiva on the Huon Highway near Port Huon on September 29, 2024, after negotiating a left-hand bend.
The vehicle veered into a roadside drain and travelled about 34 metres before hitting a tree. Wilson died instantly from multiple injuries.
Toxicology tests found elevated levels of methylamphetamine, MDMA and cannabis in his system.
Coroner Simon Cooper said the drugs “undoubtedly contributed to the happening of the crash”.
“He was affected by drugs and probably distracted by his mobile telephone in the immediate lead up to the crash,” the coroner said in his brief findings.
The investigation ruled out other contributing factors, including the weather, road conditions and mechanical faults.
“There are no suspicious circumstances, anomalies or inconsistencies associated with Mr Wilson’s death,” Cooper said.
