Coroner makes findings into tree fall that killed Kilsyth teen

A CORONER inquiring into the death of a Kilsyth teen has recommended Yarra Ranges Council make it easier to report unsafe trees.

Family photo of Kilsyth teenager James Winchester killed by falling tree doing media conference

A CORONER has recommended Yarra Ranges Council make it easier for residents to report dangerous trees after a Kilsyth teenager was crushed to death by a rotten branch last year.

James Winchester, 18, an aspiring electrician, died when a large section of the 15-metre-high tree fell and pierced his chest as he drove along Glasgow Rd in Kilsyth on June 12, 2013.

An inspection of the broken stem, which was hanging about four metres from the ground, found that extensive termite damage and fungal decay had caused it to collapse.

Two months after Mr Winchester’s death, an independent arborist investigated Glasgow Rd and recommended the removal of six trees and further pruning to others.

Coroner Peter White, who last month handed down his findings into Mr Winchester’s death, said there was no suggestion the council should have removed the tree that killed Mr Winchester.

However, Mr White said he granted the inquest to explore education and prevention opportunities relating to the management of council trees.

Mr White made five recommendations that included making it easier for the public to report unsafe trees, increasing the amount of advertising the council dedicates to risky trees and simplifying the council’s tree management plan to make it “more accessible and readable”.

The council had never received any requests to inspect the tree that killed Mr Winchester.

Yarra Ranges environment and engineering director Mark Varmalis told Leaderthe council was working on a plan to implement the coroner’s recommendations.

“Council will meet the coroner’s broad recommendations in regards to disseminating information and acquiring information from the public about risky trees,” he said.

Mr Varmalis said the council regularly inspected trees at the request of residents.

The inquest heard there were about five million trees in the municipality and the council received about 500 reports a month relating to tree works.