Coward-punch victim Dave Harcus denied adequate examination by rural SA hospital before death

An assault victim was not properly examined by a rural SA hospital before his health rapidly declined until his death a month later, his family claims.

‘Dirty Dave’ Harcus died at Coober Pedy hospital but his family isn’t happy with the treatment he received. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The niece of a man who died in a remote South Australian town, claims her uncle was sent home on three occasions from the local hospital without being properly examined before his death.

Dave Harcus, 54, known as ‘Dirty Dave’ to those closest to him, died at Coober Pedy Hospital on March 5, a month after he was allegedly “coward-punched” and sustained serious head injuries.

Police told The Advertiser that they received a report of an incident on February 4, with a suspect reported for the assault of Mr Harcus, who died a month later in hospital from a “medical condition”.

Police said they had prepared a report for the Coroner, and did not believe Mr Harcus’ death was related to the assault.

Dave ‘Dirty Dave’ Harcus and his niece, Monika Addicott at her wedding. Picture: Supplied

His niece Monika Addicott said her uncle’s health declined rapidly over the course of a month after he was assaulted, and that he had attended the local hospital on three separate occasions, but was not properly examined.

She said he was with a friend walking when he was “coward-punched” in the back of the head.

“They were walking down the main street and a person came up behind him and like, full king hit him in the back of the head, and then he fell forward onto his face,” she said.

“He went to the hospital and they didn’t give him any appropriate scans or anything like that. “They didn’t send him down to Adelaide for an MRI or even a CAT scan or anything.

Injuries Dave sustained after he was coward-punched on February 4. Picture: Supplied

“They just gave him Panadeine Forte and sent him home until he ended up bedridden and he couldn’t move.”

Ms Addicott said her uncle’s health continued to deteriorate until he died.

She said his preliminary cause of death was ruled as “sepsis with subcutaneous abscess and pneumonia”, however, the state coroner has confirmed they are still investigating.

His niece relocated to Coober Pedy from Brisbane with her 10-year-old daughter to lay him to rest, but said she has been unable to afford it.

She has since created a GoFundMe to raise funds for his funeral, with only $1800 raised so far towards the $6500 target.

“My uncle Dave is in the funeral parlour just waiting to be buried,” she said.

“I only came here with the intention of taking care of his affairs and laying him to rest, but the more I found out about his assault and the hospital, I decided to stay.

The family want to bury Mr Harcus in Coober Pedy.

“It’s atrocious that this has happened to him and I just want to do what’s right by him.”

The Advertiser asked SA Health if Mr Harcus had been denied adequate treatment and examination after he was assaulted.

Eyre and Far North Health Network chief executive Julie Marron said all patients were assessed upon presentation to a public health facility.

“Our condolences go to the friends and family of Mr Harcus for their loss,” she said.

“Any patient who arrives at an ED within the Eyre and Far North Local Health Network is assessed and treated by clinicians.

“As the case is currently before the SA Coroner’s Court, we are unable to comment further.”

Originally published as Coward-punch victim Dave Harcus denied adequate examination by rural SA hospital before death