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Statement: Natasha Abrahart – pre-inquest review

Press release issued: 23 August 2018

There has been widespread media coverage of the pre-inquest review of the death of Natasha Abrahart, a second-year physics student who tragically passed away earlier this year.

Press and public are entitled to attend pre-inquest reviews, which are different in scope to full inquests where, after hearing the evidence, the Coroner’s Court will reach an official conclusion on the cause of death.

At yesterday’s review, the legal team representing Natasha’s parents presented some of the evidence.

Following this, media have widely reported that the University’s student services did not contact Natasha to offer her support. This is incorrect and the evidence that will be submitted shows the University’s services did make offers of help directly to Natasha.

We are disappointed that the media have chosen to report on such a sensitive and difficult case before all the evidence – including evidence from the University – has been put to the Coroner.

We are committed to fully assisting the Coroner to ensure any lessons learnt are built into the support we provide our students.

At the heart of this is a student who has tragically died, her family, and members of our community who remain deeply affected by this loss.

Our thoughts remain with Natasha’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

Lynn Robinson

Deputy Registrar

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