Inquest begins into the death of John James Bentley, who went missing on scorching 39C day from ECH respite care program

A man with dementia wandered away from his Adelaide carers on a 39C day and was found dead two days later, an inquest has heard.

An elderly man who wandered off from a southern suburbs respite care program on a 39C day, sparking a major search, may have been missing for 90 minutes before anyone noticed, an inquest has heard.

Deputy State Coroner Anthony Schapel is investigating the cause and circumstances of the death of former state footballer John James Bentley, 80, who disappeared on January 6, 2017.

Mr Bentley – who had moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia – attended the ECH southern day program, a Commonwealth-funded respite care service, when he disappeared out an unlocked door while the group of over 65-year-olds was watching a movie.

Counsel assisting the coroner, Emma Roper, told the court Mr Bentley was last seen about 1.30pm as the movie started, but carers did not notice until he was to be picked up, just before 3pm.

Deputy State Coroner Anthony Schapel (front) with counsel assisting the coroner Emma Roper (back, right) at ECH Morphett Vale. Picture Roy VanDerVegt

She said the program was usually held at Happy Valley, but had been moved two days earlier to the Southern Wellness Centre at Morphett Vale.

John Bentley died after wandering away from his respite carers on a 39C day.

“Unfortunately, that decision to relocate the Southern Day Program was not conveyed to the Bentleys,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bentley’s wife of 50 years, Sandra Bentley, first heard the program had been moved was at the same time she was informed her husband was missing.

Mr Bentley’s Alzheimer’s meant he became agitated and confused in unfamiliar situations, Ms Roper said, so his wife avoided placing him in new environments wherever possible.

Ms Roper said the couple’s daughter, Kristen Risby, said her mother would not have authorised Mr Bentley’s attendance had she known it was to be held at an unfamiliar location.

During the movie, the lights were dimmed and curtains closed due to the day’s scorching heat, which peaked at 39C about 6pm that night. The minimum of 32.5C was recorded at 11pm.

Ms Roper said that as the group was watching the movie, a staff member was testing the key hide on an outside door. She had left the door unlocked while seeking another staff member’s help.

“At some stage it became apparent that no one could recall laying eyes on Mr Bentley since the movie commenced at 1.30pm,” Ms Roper said.

Deputy State Coroner Anthony Schapel with counsel assisting the coroner Emma Roper at ECH Morphett Vale. Picture Roy VanDerVegt

Police were called at 3.30pm and he was reported missing. An extensive search involving STAR Group officers, police helicopter and SES volunteers continued for the next two days.

Police found his body on January 8, 2017, about 3.3km away in a reserve at the rear of Field St, Reynella. A post mortem showed Mr Bentley died from dehydration and the effects of heat with contributing dementia.

Ms Roper said primary issues which would be explored during the inquest included how Mr Bentley went missing “given that ECH he had been entrusted with his care and supervision”.

The inquest continues.