31-year-old inmate Lynton Ryan was found unresponsive in his cell. This case occurred in the Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia. He had only been moved to this jail three days before his death. This window of time raises important questions about the conditions leading to his excessive death. Ryan was born on the land of the Nukunu people, in Port Pirie, South Australia, in 1993. Having recently moved to Kalgoorlie, his family have described him as a loud, funny character who loved laughing and rock music.
Despite responding prison staff and first responders trying, unsuccessfully, to resuscitate Ryan on the day he died, his death should have been preventable. As the investigation into his death unfolds, his family is left grappling with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.
Family’s Grief and Demand for Transparency
Now, Lynette Smith, Lynton’s mother, and his brother Shannon Smith Jim Watson, Getty Images They’re still seeking answers from prison officials for the cause of Lynton’s death. Instead, the family is dealing with the daily, painful knowledge of not knowing what caused the fatal fall. What’s changed in the last two hours,” she said, illustrating their dire need for transparency.
Shannon lamented how long it will take to find out what really happened. “I fear it could take years before we know exactly how Lynton died,” he stated. He underscored their situation’s urgency, telling me that their mother’s health is deteriorating. “Our mother’s health is not good. She won’t be around forever,” he said.
The family is understandably upset that they are unable to retrieve the surveillance video immediately. That video might hold crucial details about what happened in the moments before Ryan’s tragic death. “They have CCTV — why do we have to wait for so long?” Shannon questioned.
Investigation Underway
Under West Australian law, the death of Lynton Ryan is the subject of a mandatory coronial investigation. Funding for the process to determine the underlying cause of death needs to provide clarity. It should include a complete examination of the factors leading up to the crash. The Smith family looks to this investigation to answer the many questions that remain.
Gerry Georgatos, an independent suicide prevention researcher and human rights campaigner, has put his head above the parapet to support the Smith family. He’s with them, supporting them through this difficult time. He underscores the importance of transparency in cases like this, stating, “When they are dying in their 20s and 30s questions have to be asked.”
Georgatos reiterated the need to make sure that such tragedies never happen again. “What we don’t want to see is hundreds more die in the decade ahead and thousands [more] be impacted,” he cautioned. He’s convinced that unless those issues are tackled head on, it will be hard to make real progress for the rights of prisoners. “If we don’t give prisoners rights we’re not going to transform lives,” he added.
Community Reaction and Funeral Arrangements
The community has been shocked by Ryan’s death, as many grapple with the implications of such incidents within correctional facilities. The Smith family will be remembering Lynton with a funeral service later this month. This sad but meaningful gathering will unite friends, family and advocates in honoring the legacy.
While they process their deep loss, Lynette and Shannon Smith are still fighting to get to the truth about Lynton’s death. They continue to pray that the federal investigation will bring them the answers and justice that they deserve for their cherished son and brother.
