NSW Coroner Calls for Better Prison–Family Communication After Lathan Brown’s Death
A recent coronial inquest into the tragic death in custody of 28-year-old Lathan Brown has highlighted a glaring failure in how Correctional Services notified his family during his final hours.
What Happened
Lathan—proudly of Kamilaroi and Barkindji heritage—passed away at Orange Hospital on 6 January 2024 after being found unresponsive at Wellington Correctional Centre. He died from cardiac arrhythmia and had no known prior health conditions.
Key Finding
The Deputy State Coroner, Stuart Devine, emphasised that “everyone deserves to have their loved ones beside them in their final hours.” In Lathan’s case, poor communication systems meant his father missed the chance for a final farewell.
Recommended Reform
The coroner has urged Corrective Services to review and improve their notification processes—so families are informed promptly when a loved one’s life is at risk.
Context
Since the 1991 Royal Commission into Indigenous Deaths in Custody, hundreds more than 600 Indigenous Australians have died while incarcerated.
In summary:
Nobody should die alone without their family given due notice.
This ruling puts communication shortcomings under scrutiny
The coroner’s recommendation opens a pathway to improving the prison communication system for families.