A coronial inquest has commenced into the death of Dean Sanderson, a 50-year-old South Australian father of three who died while zip-lining in Far North Queensland in 2019. The inquest heard that Sanderson and his wife were on a 'bucket list' trip following his recovery from a serious health issue.
Shannon Sanderson, his wife, testified that the couple fell while zip-lining between two platforms 86 metres apart at Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours in Cape Tribulation on October 22, 2019. She recalled screaming after a sudden drop, and waking up on the jungle floor, where she screamed for help. She stated that staff did not appear to know how to use the equipment, and a fellow tourist had to instruct them on using the defibrillator.
Andrew Hayward, another tourist in the same group, told the court he heard a 'crack' and felt the platform shake before a staff member called a 'code red'. He was lowered from the zip-line and later treated at Cairns Hospital for torn knee ligaments. He said he was not informed of Sanderson's death before being returned to the minibus, and was offered counselling an hour or two later.
The inquest is scheduled to continue until Thursday, with further evidence on March 10.
