Finding into death of Dieter William Schmid

IN THE CORONERS COURT COR 2025 004073 OF VICTORIA AT MELBOURNE FINDING INTO DEATH WITHOUT INQUEST Form 38 Rule 63(2) Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008 Findings of: Coroner Leveasque Peterson Deceased: Dieter William Schmid Date of birth: 22 July 1964 Date of death: 15 July 2025 Cause of death: 1(a) Unascertained (natural causes) Place of death: 14 Ecology Crescent Officer Victoria 3809 Keywords: Specialist disability accommodation, disability, in care, natural causes, unascertained

1. On 15 July 2025, Dieter William Schmid was 60 years old when died at his assisted living facility in Officer, Victoria.

2. Dieter had a medical history that included multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and schizophrenia. He was dependent on a wheelchair, and he required assistance for everyday tasks.

3. Dieter’s main support was his sister Karin, who visited Dieter regularly and helped him with medical appointments.

4. Dieter enjoyed spending time with his extended family, watching old Bruce Lee movies and listening to music.

THE CORONIAL INVESTIGATION

5. Dieter’s death was reported to the coroner as it fell within the definition of a reportable death in the Coroners Act 2008 (the Act). Reportable deaths include deaths that are unexpected, unnatural or violent or result from accident or injury. As Dieter lived in Specialist Disability Accommodation, I was required to undertake an investigation into the circumstances of his death.

6. The role of a coroner is to independently investigate reportable deaths to establish, if possible, identity, medical cause of death, and surrounding circumstances. Surrounding circumstances are limited to events which are sufficiently proximate and causally related to the death. The purpose of a coronial investigation is to establish the facts, not to cast blame or determine criminal or civil liability.

Circumstances in which the death occurred

7. On 14 July 2025, Dieter was assisted with his nighttime routine and went to bed as was usual at around 7.45 pm. A carer checked on him at approximately 11.30 pm that night and Dieter was asleep.

8. Early the next morning staff entered Dieter’s bedroom to check in on him and observed that he was not breathing.

9. Carers immediately began CPR and called emergency services. Ambulance Victoria paramedics and Fire Rescue Victoria personnel attended at the scene and examined Dieter; however, he could not be resuscitated, and he was declared deceased at 6.32 am.

Identity of the deceased

10. On 15 July 2025, Dieter William Schmid, born 22 July 1964, was visually identified by one of his carers.

11. Identity is not in dispute and requires no further investigation.

Medical cause of death

12. Forensic Pathologist and Adjunct Professor Sarah Parsons from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) conducted an examination on 17 July 2025 and provided a written report of her findings dated 23 July 2025.

13. The post-mortem examination revealed no evidence that the death was due to anything other than natural causes, however the examination did not establish a specific cause of death.

14. Adjunct Professor Parsons provided an opinion that the medical cause of death was 1(a) UNASCERTAINED (NATURAL CAUSES). I accept her opinion.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

15. Pursuant to section 67(1) of the Coroners Act 2008 I make the following findings: a) the identity of the deceased was Dieter William Schmid, born 22 July 1964; b) the death occurred on 15 July 2025 at 14 Ecology Crescent Officer Victoria 3809, from 1(a) UNASCERTAINED (NATRUAL CAUSES); and c) the death occurred in the circumstances described above.

Pursuant to section 73(1B) of the Act, this finding is to be published on the Coroners Court of Victoria website in accordance with the rules.

I direct that a copy of this finding be provided to the following: Karin Orpen, Senior Next of Kin First Constable Leah Davies, Coroner’s Investigator

Signature: ___________________________________ Coroner Leveasque Peterson Date: 24 November 2025 NOTE: Under section 83 of the Coroners Act 2008 ('the Act'), a person with sufficient interest in an investigation may appeal to the Trial Division of the Supreme Court against the findings of a coroner in respect of a death after an investigation. An appeal must be made within 6 months after the day on which the determination is made, unless the Supreme Court grants leave to appeal out of time under section 86 of the Act.