His family was broken by this investigation | Outback Coroner

In May 2011, the Northern Territory Coroner, Greg Cavanagh, was forced to officially close Mount Bundy Cattle Station due to a death attributed to arsenic poisoning. What ensued was a series of events that brought into question the validity of two government investigations across two state borders that nearly destroyed a family and crippled their business.
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[@50Shawnee]

So sad he suffered so much. Rest in peace Ben. God Bless your soul. God Bless his family with peace of heart and mind.🕊

[@jenniferholden9397]

That poor, poor family. A loss like that stays with you for life. Coroner was a good bloke to. ❤

[@user-eu4re2rg5e]

It is astonishing no-one looked into neighbouring property Ben came home sick from!

[@bryceanderson1772]

Yup! Especially any girls he may have been involved with that nay have been liked by another..

[@Thereishope33]

In Africa it would have been picked up easily as there is lots of bad eyes..

[@simonscott1121]

@@Thereishope33 bad eyes? Like hexes? :D

[@cathyprosser1050]

Heartbreaking story 💔 😢 Harder than even death itself is having to stand by the bed of someone you love beyond measure who is suffering in pain that can't seem to be relieved. I have done so three times in my life but not with my child. I never had children so the pain of that is something I can't even fathom. I sobbed myself at the point Ben finally died. 😢😢 Just rends the heart in pieces to think of the pain of his family and the days on end of crushing trauma that won't ever completely go away. Then all they went through after Ben died was horrible too. 😢 God, rest the soul of Ben, and comfort and heal the sorrows of his beloved family 🙏

[@praytogodus]

It's truly heart-wrenching to hear about the immense pain and suffering Ben and his family endured. Standing by a loved one who is suffering is an incredibly difficult experience, and I can only imagine the depth of pain his family must be feeling.

[@dianetoombs868]

I have not heard of this sad story!!

[@plj2084]

RIP/RIDE IN PARADISE BEN ✨💛 🙏💛✨ 🦚✨🤠🐎🌤️✨ 🌱🐛🦋🌻🪴🌳🏞️🗻 ✨⚖️✨🥰✨⚖️✨

[@billybarnes9208]

My wife and I stood at her mother's bed she had cancer. It was life changing seeing her there l in pain. They showed me how to load her pump of morphine. Sad, but we could never catch up with her pain level. We had to put her in the hospital she wanted to stay home. The hospital could barely make her just a little more at ease. The hospital was running out of mess for her they were searching other hospitals for dialote. Fortunately, she passed to be with Jesus and family before that happened . After her last breath, she looked at such peace and happy I know that sounds weird, but her face that ĺooked so tortured she had a little smile. May God bless everyone 🙏

[@rsmith4634]

It brought a tear to my eye!

[@cathybassett6432]

Without a doubt the misdiagnosis of Ben's stomach perforation was a contributing factor to his death. That one error could have been the over load on his system that actually caused his death. I like coroner Cavanagh but he's no infallible.

[@monicaenriquez8643]

A very compelling documentary! God bless Ben’s parents, siblings and loved ones. Such a heartbreaking account. The area you serve is also blessed to having you in their midst.

[@susannaude8514]

As far as I know, from watching and reading crime stories, arsenic always stays in a persons hair. They did not test Ben's hair.

[@jewels3895]

Ben suddenly got sick on return of a neighbouring property. Nothing mentioned who what where!

[@Ainaes-Feline]

Because the sizes of these ranches are so great that they either travel for days or in the air...so for most people just to know the surname of the family of Ben tells you on Google maps or satellite who their neighbours are. Considering that WA is three nearly 4 times larger than Texas and that is just one state by itself. And the main part of WA is either desert or farmland. You can easily find out who their neighbours are.

[@kc4699]

dude this is in the Northern Territory @@Ainaes-Feline 😆

[@Kennedy4OurCountry]

You mean who was around him, what did he do while there & etc? Was surprised about that myself....weird af.

[@Mary.Quantum426]

@@Kennedy4OurCountry WA in Australia refers to Western Australia not Washington State, USA, so the commenter knows exactly what he's watching, and it's you who needs to educate yourself. He just has the Australian State wrong, as this doco is set in NT (Northern Territory State of Australia) and not WA (Western Australia).

[@john-jimMilton13]

​@user1.8.2. WA means Western Australia not Washington. WA is a state in Australia

[@SuzieQGirl]

38:30 If the arsenic levels were high all of the animals would have been exposed.

[@m.g.2645]

✨ Fantastic point!

[@Kennedy4OurCountry]

Sure wouldn't have horses still standing.

[@chrismaynard4117]

​@@Kennedy4OurCountryDepends,years ago it was a fav thing to give a tiny bit to racehorses,sposed to give them a bit extra go.

[@kiwigal8134]

Having fallen sick immediately after working on a neighbours ranch for a day, no mention was made at all, whether this property was thoroughly searched for potential source of arsenic or witnesses interviewed on Bens tasks undertaken there on that day🤷‍♀️

[@angeladowden4535]

Yes... like an old cartle dip site...they are heavily contaminated with arsenic... But I guess that English, arsenic specialist might not know that ...??

[@unicornzNbeez]

This is so sad :( RIP young man

[@purplerabbit7190]

Doesn’t create a confidence in the medical system in Australia

[@kathydavenport4422]

Rest In Peace beloved son brother and so on and so on May the Family and friends find healing and peace Blessings Be.

[@rowan2u380]

RIP Ben...I want to know what he came in contact with at that other farm

[@angeladowden4535]

Yes, me too....like an old arsenic cattle dip site....

[@simonscott1121]

@@angeladowden4535 it wasnt arsenic though - seems to have been cancer.

[@E-Kat]

I'm completely shocked at the coroner's account! Of course that the doctors should have looked for the reason of Ben's severe abdominal pains!! A CT scan should have been ordered much earlier. I cannot believe that he had suffered from an acute leukaemia and had no symptoms prior to the day when he was taken to the hospital!! What a horrendous experience for the family and poor Ben!😭❤️ My condolences.

[@Dr_KAP]

Country hospitals have a lot to answer for. My grandparents were in a hit and run when they were 60. My grandmother suffered severe injuries including brain damage and they said she wouldn’t make it. My grandfather was “totally fine” but kept in hospital for the night under observation. The next day he had a shower and dropped dead from internal bleeding! My grandmother went on to live another 15 years!!

[@E-Kat]

@@Dr_KAP oh, I'm so sorry to hear your story. But unfortunately this is happening everywhere! I'm in the UK and my darling husband died because they wouldn't let me to go to the hospital with him during Covid, although we were isolating together. He died due to wrong and negligent treatment in hospital!! I'm so sorry for your grandmother who had to witness this all and then be on her own for so long. My best wishes to you. 🤗

[@LH-ot5rk]

@@E-KatSo sorry for your loss. At this point I’d do everything in my power to stay out of hospitals even here in the U.S. Medical establishment is not what it used to be or still purported to be, generally speaking of course.

[@E-Kat]

@@LH-ot5rk thank you so much for your kind words. I too will avoid hospitals, where some people survive, despite being treated. I've seen so many deeply wrong things happening in our hospitals, whilst I was at my husband's bedside for eight months. The surgery was amazing but the aftercare nonexistent and harming patients. I could write a book about what horrors I've witnessed. One day, when I'm stronger, I must share my stories. Take care. ❤️

[@dianetoombs868]

Hello E-kat, I've only just read your post...are you talking of Australian hospitals? I would really like to hear from you!

[@XOX74]

So sorry you're going through this, can't even begin to imagine...bless you all.

[@kathyfreeman5281]

So sorry to hear of your loss

[@blueyoshi8231]

My heart aches for his parents and family, so many things that could have and should have been done differently that maybe he would still be here😢

[@thereselarfield7177]

This is so very sad …. my heart aches for this family!!!

[@dianetoombs868]

Is it possible that someone from that neighbouring property poisioned Ben knowingly?

[@grimmertwin2148]

Yup - young jackeroos and jillaroos get murdered all the time on outback cattle stations. Fact check. I wonder if the kid saw something he shouldn't. Or worse

[@Spiritlife01]

The arsenic test was false.

[@angeladowden4535]

Or from working in or around an old arsenic cattle dip...??

[@rhondahankins4026]

But does one exposure of arsenic continue like that? Better, worse, better ,worse. Like is it that long lasting? ( and how horrifying to think they dipped cattle in it?!) It seems to me they never came up with an actual cause of his death. I have a book on the beginnings of forensics and they talk about how poisonings were really common before forensics, but also the book made it seem like finding the poisons in a body was cut and dried. This episode makes it seem like it’s all hit and miss. I feel sad that the family never got any definitive answers.

[@45Grace2009]

Imagine javing a patient in that much agonising abdominal pain for so long before doing a scan. Beggars belief. So sad for the patents of that beautiful boy ... now safe in Jesus' care.

[@CalvinRobinson-xi1cw]

T qq

[@CalvinRobinson-xi1cw]

Q

[@richardwright5597]

so sorry big Ben ,Im sorry about the lack of Aussie doctors you wont be forgotten

[@ritawallace-reed7500]

No abdominal exam, no test for heavy metals, no radiologic abdominal tests. The last physician who testified was rather arrogant, did not examine the patient he had been called to see on an emergency basis. Rest in peace, Ben.

[@angeladowden4535]

Yes, its appalling & HE should face disciplinary action... Sadly, Ben's mother was more on point than the doctors...😢 Sorry... but the findings of this inquest are just pathetic & impotent... in my opinion. The steroids made the stomach worse & tgat doctor should've turned over every stone to find out the CAUSE of the abdominal.pain...NOT just given him morphine on tap.. Appalling..just appalling!!

[@Thereishope33]

How can all those Doctors miss such a straight forward issue ?

[@barbiepriestley9898]

Once you’re in the jaws of a crocodile there ain’t no escape 😅absolutely terrifying I would imagine

[@angeladowden4535]

Yes, only in this case the " crocodile" was the hospital system & negligent doctors....😢

[@glynisbaglow2169]

Gosh what a runaway train ride, both for the parents + all the family. I do hope for some peace for the family to be able to start to put their lives back together. This will take time. Those 17 days must have been horrific for everyone, especialy your beautiful son. I will keep you in my prayers. Love + hugs to you all.😢😢😮😅😊❤❤❤❤

[@kathiward7]

Coroner is so calm & sympathetic.

[@peggystrickland1435]

The Coroner has a tremendous responsibility and I feel he does his very best to make the right decisions based on the evidence. 😇

[@hamishford5486]

Get real!

[@phyllisburris7093]

Seems the family had given Dr's common sense possible diagnoses. Obviously if he is having severe abdominal pain shouting out in pain 24/7...Why not do xrays, check for burst appendix, do surgery to see what's going on. Instead Dr's with yrs of medical experience say let's wait n see until 16 yr old dies? Dr's should be held accountable. Father stating no way was it arsenic poisoning bc wife drinks more than anyone & she has no symptoms. So doubt it's in the water. Then Dr's say "I made a mistake"..." I guess don't know how to measure for arsenic...u need specialized training".

[@dianetoombs868]

I do not trust that Physician who was giving testimony ..he did not care about Ben or his family's pain!!

[@filthhater5491]

Ben may have been suffering leukaemia I doubt it. However the doctor came from a function and clearly was upset about being called away. He couldn't be bothered to do his job, if he had done his job maybe Ben would still be here. Therefore he should be struck off! RIP Ben and love to the family hope the pain fades with time.

[@user-zc2rb9ho5x]

The poor boy had one bad doctor after the other 😢 They all contributed to his death, negligence!! 🤬

[@carmenpopovici6253]

Judge Greg Cavenagh you have a good heart .Our politicians should take your place before falling asleep in their big seats and bullying each other like children

[@Kennedy4OurCountry]

The Dad saw much of himself in his son. He's beyond devastated. I was thinking peritonitis...and sure enough. Peritonitis is something u will not survive unless it's treated within hours of onset. My dad died from peritonitis. He was too frail from lung difficulties to withstand surgery. Also, the suggestion that Ben's parents 'push' the morphine button was negligent in the extreme, as morphine stays in the system for a long time. Morphine can easily od a person. The Coroner Magistrate is a Class Act.

[@annedodgson8677]

Still do not understand what started this illness…

[@rubijenn]

Exactly… that is the Coroners job. Instead of lording this man he should have been questioned with more rigorous investigation.

[@DJJonPattrsn22]

What an excruciatingly tragic & horrifying ordeal! I can hardly imagine the pain that this family has been enduring.

[@theresarasche3173]

What a sad sad and painful death 😢❤😢 My heart breaks for this family 💔

[@SuzieQGirl]

So sorry for Ben and his loved ones. ❤

[@kc4699]

i'd love to see more episodes from this series please

[@outlawJosieFox]

"Do you agree to tell the truth? " "I do. " "Good on ya !"

[@kc4699]

peak NT!

[@starwyn7]

He was great. Very Australian, but also very astute

[@angelabaulch]

I take my hat off to you and send the warmest wishes to Ben’s family ❤

[@nykolamay485]

Was the property of where Ben was before he got sick tested? Have the family ever been offered any compensation for the loss of business due to the false accusations of arsenic poisoning? Still alot of questions. That poor family, I hope they are coping. My heart goes out to them. So very very sad ❤

[@Michelle-wk4ek]

What a lovely compassionate man Greg is. ❤

[@user-ry6gz6ge4q]

Ben rest in peace, and Ben's loved one's sorry for your loss.

[@aftertheheadlines]

If the doctors had no idea what was happening and all the testing why wouldn’t they have noticed the arsenic earlier? Isn’t poisoning by car coolant one of the issues checked for when doctors are baffled by a sudden onset of blood cell abnormalities? For the tuxedo doctor to see a patient who has been in the hospital now moaning pain and not even touch his belly. What a loser of a doctor, I wouldn’t want to be his patient. Did he have a life insurance?

[@LulasSong]

Fascinating.Loved the main character, all interesting in fact, and natural.Kudos♥️

[@devilskitty5032]

If I say I want an MRI then that's what I get... if I say I don't want that doctor then another one comes... then I remember why I like our healthcare system... if someone comes to the hospital with pain then they will ALL tests were done until it is clear what it was, no matter what it cost. Health insurance pays anyway.because of our healthcare system i like to live in austria....

[@katrinacarter2019]

Pity the experts couldn't figure that out having that scan sooner

[@JenReid12]

I have worked in our health care system for 30 years as an RN . I didn't think you were describing our system, patients can as ask for whatever they wNt but a doctor has to agree it is necessary. I have seen people suffer and not been believed ithappens all the time.

[@ronakohne2604]

Pity Australia isn't also like that.

[@carolwilder2289]

Many continued prayers for Ben's family! 💕🙏🙏💕

[@SazachaNancySktghaxeeahw-rp5gd]

The process is corrupt including the corrupt G C give me a break!!!

[@paddythetheatredog4384]

You know nothing surprises me about the care of young people. I had to fight for months to help my teen, to many Dr’s don’t touch their patients or listen to them/family members. Had a row with one Dr who event it has to admit they were wrong when the tests they refused to run came back positive. Always her second or even 3rd opinions.

[@christinanevils3376]

This is very sad to hear! Especially tLking about elders!

[@MidnightWarrior1976]

Longer sentences may not reduce crime (I doubt it), but one thing is sure: They don't commit crimes while they are locked up. So the crime reduction argument is moot. Australia and England have sentences that are much too short most of the time.

[@hamishford5486]

It was an absolutely disgusting finding by the coroner and a disgusting statement by him that the family had their day in court. it was an absolutely heartless statement from a person who is obviously full of his own self-importance.

[@joyleenpoortier7496]

I spent 34 years in the NT. Greg is still a well respected Coroner.

[@rettain]

I’m so overrated for your loss. Ben was a fine young man and the what ifs? Can just wreck you. I’m glad you did get the inquest. With love and prayers from the USA.

[@wildalbalass4867]

Poisoned by whom!!! Respect to the victim.

[@annettewebster9678]

They should have checked out the yard he had worked at and closed that farm down. He was poisoned by someone he was working with. So Sad.

[@angeladowden4535]

That 's what I originally thought...contamination from that farm.... But tge specialist said arsenic was not likely.

[@annettewebster9678]

@@angeladowden4535 That's crazy. Didn't they go straight to his workplace , he had just returned home from. Felt sick, first symptoms.???? Healthy Lad when he left home.!!!!!

[@rhondahankins4026]

@@annettewebster9678exactly!

[@shirl974]

Poor child 😢 awful

[@chelin7023]

The coroner let Dr Rivers get away with malpractice and manslaughter; the fact that he did not examine Ben inspite of having to be called due to the severity of the case, is unforgivable and his explanation to relay in the opinion of the “juniors” clearly deflect responsibility, responsibility he had, reason for which he was called. When he could do something about it,he didn’t and after the fact Ben was “poor Ben”! What a hypocrite! Karma will come around to this useless so-called “doctor”.

[@angeladowden4535]

My thoughts exactly!

[@patsysmothermon7861]

Amen & AMEN!!

[@jamesexploringonline872]

47:19 he feels terrible about his what decision? A young boy lost his life, from the start it appears Ben was not cared for professionally, all they had to do is take Ben’s situation seriously, instead he gets dragged around the country only to lose his life, surely there were enough red lights. I hope this case wakes up a few people in preventing such a sad loss, the kid was only 16 and lived a healthy life. I’m sorry, but this rips me apart seeing how he was treated, all this doctor had to do was take the matter a lot more seriously, read his chart examine the boy properly…. This brings me to tears for not only Ben, but his family and friends.

[@rayturnr05]

Gross negligence of the medical profession. Just to watch your child die so painfully is unimaginable. My heart breaks for the entire family.

[@janeofford5813]

What a lovely man

[@JamieWedge]

That dr shpuld of been held accountable for not running the appropriate test.

[@sandragrundy1516]

I'm so sorry Ben was taken to Adelaide Hospital. I have been living in South Australia for 3 1/2 years, 3 1/2 too long, every amenity in South Australia is 2nd rate. Wish he had been taken to Sydney or Melbourne. It's so bad here that as a 77 year old person I am heading back to Melbourne, and in my opinion back to civilisation.

[@johannamastrangioli5745]

I felt the very same X

[@ericshingles]

RIP Ben, prayers for the family

[@jenniferholden9397]

Hey Dr, WASH YOUR CUP. Is arsenic used in the retrieval of precious metals? I’m from the UK ad we don’t have anything precious (apart from me). ❤❤

[@angeladowden4535]

Arsenic was used in old cattle dips...I womder if the neighbouring property that Ben worked on was contaminated...?? I know the specialist said it wasn't arsenic.. but I can't see how it was "lukemia" on such a healthy boy....??? If I were the parents I wouldn't be satisfied with that result...😢

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

Greg seems like a compassionate man.

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

Greg is the epitome of an upstanding MAN…and professional. Thank goodness for people like him, I have the utmost respect and admiration for him and any person with his tenacity and honour. 💐🏆💕

[@rubijenn]

Maybe so… however he has no excuse for his lack of findings or recommendations.

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

@@rubijenn It’s hard when the Specialists can’t even get it right!! 🤨 Such a terrible loss for this devastated family.

[@rubijenn]

@@kathrynbillinghurst188 yes that’s true. And reveals the level of incompetence that this young fella and his family suffered in the hands of the Drs and the hospital. But the reality is that is a Coroner’s job. And to ensure it doesn’t happen again. No one has been held accountable. And again despite the opinion he’s a nice bloke this Coroner has fallen short.

[@glenf6639]

Whoever the judge is that thinks that it isn’t helpful to lock up a violent domestic abuser makes me sick. Violent people shld absolutely be locked up. He was so casual about the time away and protected the women get isn’t of that much importance.

[@jeannerountree952]

Harsher sentences may not deter crime however it can keep offenders away from victims.

[@jamesmoon8947]

God luv ya Ben.❤

[@user-hr4gn7jk1b]

I not trust or believe doctor sorry!

[@christinanevils3376]

Amen Amen Amen 🙏 🙌

[@gracenote1837]

This was really interesting and I think we’ll done. A very sad ending.

[@jooshmart]

Dude what a guy this old man is a g

[@MaryGlendaAradanas]

😢😢😢

[@jamesexploringonline872]

Hard to watch, may he RIP My hearts with his family and friends.

[@jamesexploringonline872]

23:53 it’s shameful how these ignorant said doctors acted, why why why

[@lauriesoper4056]

Anyone else notice he has 4 different sets of eyeglasses on his desk...?

[@gerrymarlowe5541]

I use 3 pairs of glasses for reading, watching TV, and long distance outdoors. GM.😊😊

[@jasmine24477]

Me too🇬🇧

[@whelpthereitis3958]

So often steroids cause worse problems. I turn them down. One day of feeling better is by no means worth how bad it feels when the steroids wear off.

[@wendygarrity218]

That poor young man passed away in agony because the Medical staff just didn't listen . CT scan should of been done a lot sooner than what they did . This is the problem with Medical people is they get decentralized and just don't listen to the patient or their symptoms . A lot more should of been done for this young man

[@hapijen4828]

Shame on those who introduced alcoholic to the First Nation people & stole their land.

[@rosarivera2360]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@lencecchetto]

So sad and condolences to the family. I think some of Doctors were a bit cavalier, they should havpicked up on things earlier I believe. I agee with some of the comments below. Ben got sick after coming back from that other property, something could have happened there, that wasn't mentioned that i heard. Something caused that poor young man to die, there didn't seem to be any real conclusion just what it was. My question was enough done by those Doctors. All that pain he went through makes you want to cry and cry. Hope this never happens to any other family.

[@freemindthinkerezrapound5071]

Just remember that when you have health problems that one of the most dangerous people you can see is the local doctor hes all pure guess work until you get a cat scan

[@candeffect]

Processed sugar and processed carb foods feed fungus. Hospitals feed patients cheap processed sugar and processed carb foods.

[@SazachaNancySktghaxeeahw-rp5gd]

Well there you go another inquest coroner your honour who plays by the Cabals rules. Utter poppycock.

[@ceciliapuime4038]

❤

[@michellepollard3591]

Typical of the Territory.

[@67cyborg1]

That poor family. All the best from Scotland. 😢

[@satraramek9760]

Ridiculous people

[@jane.c.c]

I liked the coroner but he should have slammed the negligence of the doctor. I found him wrong there. Heartbreaking. Rip Ben..

[@mamahenscatholicteaching]

I’m sorry but I’m grateful that I don’t live in Australia. That coroner should have notified the medical board that the doctor was negligent in not immediately ordering a CT scan. That’s the first thing that my doctor and almost every doctor in America would do. This is why no one here in USA wants socialized medicine. The corner feeling good about his job is sad. I don’t think he did a good job in this instance.

[@ericshingles]

Harsher penalties does work in as much as the criminals can not hurt innocent people, nor be destructive to the community. Stop giving so many chances

[@timoteiafanasie4894]

1:33 all you need is an ev

[@missTonic29]

No corrinor never wants to subject any family to more trauma than what they already went through. But a family can’t heal without knowing the facts that’s why it’s vital to get the facts. The body is just a vessel it doesn’t hold the personality, emotions and love after physical death the soul moves on to the new life in the unseen world and the soul is person not the body.

[@erin6083]

The coroner seems to be a very decent sort.

[@mollyhorse]

Sorry...did I miss something? Was he diagnosed with acute leukaemia?

[@MixedMandy88]

It’s 1000%. The doctors fault. In America a CT scan would’ve been ordered the minute he walked in the door. But I guess that’s what you get when healthcare is completely free to everyone. I’ve been told because of this that the level of care is not very good at times.doctors take note to do all they can to save lives, and that doctor chose not to do what he promised. He should be held accountable.

[@jooshmart]

He was hurt before the steroids tho

[@jamesexploringonline872]

45:04 his so lucky to have what appears a wonderful wife.