An inquest is currently examining the death of 50-year-old Dean Sanderson, a South Australian father of three, who died in a zip-lining accident in Far North Queensland in 2019. Sanderson, a mining project manager, was on a "bucket list" trip with his wife, Shannon Sanderson, following a prior health issue.
Accident Details
The accident occurred on October 22, 2019, at Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours in Cape Tribulation. The couple's zip-line failed between two platforms, identified as "the grandstand" and "the edge," which were 86 meters apart.
Mrs. Sanderson described going "quite fast" before a sudden drop, after which she recalled waking up on the jungle floor next to her unconscious husband.
Emergency Response Concerns
Shannon Sanderson, a former cardiac nurse, testified that zip-line staff appeared to lack proficiency in using emergency equipment. She stated that a fellow tourist instructed staff on how to use the site's defibrillator.
Staff were reportedly unsure where to apply its pads or how to activate the machine.
Witness Account
Andrew Hayward, another tourist in the group, was waiting on the grandstand platform when he reported hearing a "crack" and feeling the platform shake. A staff member then initiated a "code red."
Hayward was subsequently lowered from the zip-line, sustaining torn ligaments in his kneecap. He stated he informed staff of his injury but was not offered first aid at the site, later receiving treatment at Cairns Hospital.
Hayward also noted that he was not informed of Mr. Sanderson's death before being transported away from the site.
The inquest is scheduled to proceed, with further evidence to be heard.