Tramper's Untimely Demise Attributed to Preventable Tumble, According to Coroner's Report

In a heartbreaking incident, Ian Harvey, a seasoned tramping enthusiast and West Coast paramedic, lost his life while exploring the Adam Wilderness Area on January 30, 2022.

Harvey, a man of great fitness, having completed marathons and the Coast to Coast twice, was a devoted tramper. He was always meticulous in his planning, carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and researching his routes. Before his fateful tramp, he spoke to people who had tramped in the area and left his intentions with his partner, keeping her updated on his progress.

On the day of the incident, Harvey ventured into the wilderness, but unfortunately, he met with an accident while navigating fragile terrain. The most common cause of injuries and fatalities for trampers is a fall, and it appears that this was the case for Harvey as well.

The search for Harvey began the morning after he did not return, and his body was found by Land Search and Rescue on February 1, about 300m below a large active slip. It was a grim discovery, but the team's efforts were commendable, given the challenging terrain they had to navigate.

In an effort to understand the factors that could have led to Harvey's death, the coroner requested an independent expert report from the Mountain Safety Council (MSC). The MSC's recommendations, endorsed by Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale, aim to prevent future tragedies.

The MSC advises trampers and backcountry users who navigate challenging terrains and unmarked routes to follow strict safety measures. These include thorough preparation, carrying proper navigation tools, informing others of their plans, being equipped for unmarked routes, having emergency communication devices, and understanding local weather and terrain conditions.

When leaving tramping intentions with others, it is crucial to be clear about the route you intend to take, especially if planning to travel off-route. Additionally, it is essential not to attempt a descent route if you cannot clearly see the whole way down, or have not scouted it first from below. If traveling near active slips, it is advisable to remain a safe distance away from the edge, as it can be unstable and may give way without notice.

In situations where active slips are present, the MSC recommends searching for alternative routes to avoid them, especially where a slip or loss of footing would expose you to a significant fall. It is also important to remember to carry emergency communication within easy reach, especially when traveling solo, to initiate a rescue response if needed.

The MSC extends its sincerest condolences to Ian Harvey's family, partner, friends, and colleagues. His loss is a stark reminder of the importance of safety in the great outdoors. Let us honour his memory by learning from this tragedy and implementing the MSC's recommendations to ensure a safer future for all trampers.