Holly Brown’s family launch $1.6m damages claim over her death at Laura Races and Rodeo

The family of an FNQ girl who died at a major rodeo event is suing the organisers and a local health service for $1.6m as they contend with the heartbreak of losing their daughter.

THE FAMILY of a Far North teenager who died at a major rodeo event is suing the organisers and a local health service for $1.6m as they contend with the heartbreak of losing their daughter.

Julatten’s Holly Winta Brown, 17, died at the Laura Races and Rodeo in June 2015 from a cardiac arrest in circumstances described as “inhumane” by a Cairns coroner.

Her parents, Warren and Eleanor Brown, and brother, William, have filed a damages claim in the Cairns Supreme Court for $800,000, $400,000 and $400,000 respectively against the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Laura Amateur Turf Club Inc and the Laura and District Rodeo and Campdraft Association, for personal injuries and negligence against them.

Warren and Elle Brown, the parents of Holly Winta Brown, 17, who died at the Laura Races in 2015 leaving the Coroners Court after the release of inquest findings into her death. Picture: Stewart McLean

According to the claim, Mr and Mrs Brown and their son have all developed major and unspecified depressive disorders as a result of the tragedy, along with significant economic loss and medical expenses.

“We will never forget the day Holly lost her life,” her parents said in a joint statement to the Cairns Post.

“As parents, this has been the most heartbreaking experience imaginable.”

Coroner Nerida Wilson found at an inquest in 2019 there was insufficient medical help or equipment available to treat her at the popular Cape York event, attended by around 2000 people.

Our “beautiful Holly died in the dirt”

Her findings were scathing of the actions of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, saying they left Laura clinic nurses “exposed and vulnerable” and their planning for the 2015 event was “inadequate”.

The inquest found there was one nurse based at the event.

Holly Winta Brown loved horses. The 17-year-old died on June 27, 2015 at the Laura Races and Rodeo. Picture: Supplied

“We expected there would be adequate resources and medical treatment in the case of an emergency,” Mr and Mrs Brown said.

“The event sees thousands of people attend, yet only one agency nurse was employed.

“It is inconceivable to us that the event organisers didn’t arrange for appropriate levels of medical cover and equipment at such a large event.”

Mr Brown conducted CPR on his daughter after finding her unresponsive in her tent on June 27, 2015.

“While providing CPR to Holly, we were unable to access the agency nurse, the health clinic or the ambulance service which we were camped within 200 metres of,” he said.

Holly Winta Brown with her family, brother William, father Warren and Elle. Picture: Supplied

Holly died from arrhythmia as a consequence of myocardial scarring, most likely from

past rheumatic fever, according to the statement of claim document.
Each of the three plaintiffs were present at the scene and campsite “and observed the

attempts to resuscitate Holly, her death and lifeless body”, the document says.

“This matter highlights the need for better planning of mass gathering events to ensure that people can attend events safely and access the necessary equipment and medical services required, in the case of an emergency,” Maurice Blackburn lawyer, Kirsten Van Der Wal, said.

The Laura and District Rodeo and Campdraft Association Inc and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service declined to comment.

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Originally published as Holly Brown’s family launch $1.6m damages claim over her death at Laura Races and Rodeo