The inquest into Wayne Hunt’s death has led to shocking revelations about the discrimination he faced. He was in fact a 56-year-old prisoner at the time of his death at the Darwin Correctional Centre. On August 27, Hunt had a seizure and subsequently died in his cell. Officials and investigators are now raising serious concerns about the circumstances that may have led to his improper medical care. The continuing inquest is trying to determine what contributed to his death. Lastly, it will review the effectiveness of the prison staff’s response to the situation.
Wayne Hunt suffered such a powerful seizure in his cell that first responders referred to the convulsion as “very violent.” After this episode, he went into the “postictal” phase after a seizure, when he was confused and aggressive. Even with these alarming symptoms, the initial health intake screenings at the jail indicated that Hunt was calm and cooperative. Hospital staff commented on how good he looked, considering what happened.
Following his medical episode, Hunt was taken by the Immediate Action Team (IAT) to an “at-risk” cell. Yet that very same day, around 5 p.m. He was given an oral dose of a strong sedative. Before his transfer, a nurse administered him with yet another sedative. Video taken inside the facility showed Hunt “comatose. There was no way for him to get to the duress button that was mounted over his hospital bed.
Response from Correctional Staff
In response, prison officers went above and beyond to keep Hunt safe during this vulnerable time. To prevent him from harming himself, they handcuffed him. As they moved him into the “at-risk” cell, the guards put a spit hood over his face. The reasons for which staff chose to act in such a way have been heavily challenged, including their knowledge of the severity of his medical condition.
Coroner Elisabeth Armitage challenged the reasonableness of the actions officers took, even as Hunt was clearly in crisis. She said that’s part of the problem with how people view resistance today. This resistance could be produced by an individual who didn’t have any power over their conduct.
“If he doesn’t have control over his movements, is that resistance?” – Coroner Elisabeth Armitage
An IAT officer responded, stating, “It’s still a form of resistance, for us,” highlighting the tension between security protocols and the medical needs of inmates.
The coroner continued to probe into whether staff were trained to recognize when someone might be unable to control their actions.
“And are you ever taught that someone might not be able to control their actions?” – Coroner Elisabeth Armitage
In a further exchange, another IAT officer justified their approach by emphasizing concerns about safety. “You can’t be trusted not to spit.”
Medical Oversight Lapses
There was not a single medical observation made, including Hunt being put on overnight suicide watch on August 29. With this decision, it has opened the door to question the quality of care given to inmates who are undergoing acute, critical medical emergencies.
The next morning, Hunt was found unconscious and was taken by ambulance to Royal Darwin Hospital. Sadly, he was taken off life support on August 31, just days after going down from the seizure.
Coroner Armitage noted the movement Hunt exhibited throughout his time in custody.
“At this stage I haven’t seen one voluntary movement, from the time he was placed in the cell,” – Coroner Elisabeth Armitage
He said, “Not that I could see,” raising deep questions about Hunt’s state upon arrest and whether the correctional officers took appropriate action.
Ongoing Investigation
The inquest into Wayne Hunt’s death is still ongoing, with more evidence set to be heard next month. The case has spurred new discussions about how we care for inmates who have pre-existing medical conditions. It has further underscored correctional institutions’ obligations to protect their health and safety.
Law enforcement officials are still probing the details of Hunt’s death. In turn, advocates across the country are calling for improved training for correctional officers on handling medical emergencies and operating jails populated with inmates suffering from intricate health conditions.
