Coroner relays night of partying that ended in tragedy

CONTENT WARNING: A coroner has relayed details of the tragic death of a woman in her 30s who jumped from a moving vehicle.

A coroner has relayed details of the tragic death of a woman in her 30s who jumped from a moving vehicle.

Coroner Olivia McTaggart released the findings into the death of Brieley Joyce Bruinewoud on Tuesday.

Ms McTaggart said the 36-year-old had been physically healthy, but prone to mental health difficulties when she passed away in November 2020.

“On occasions, Mrs Bruinewoud engaged in episodes of drinking large quantities of alcohol, during which she would become argumentative and experience depressive thoughts,” Ms McTaggart said.

Brieley Bruinewoud, whose tragic death was detailed by a coroner in Tasmania. Picture: Facebook.

Mrs Bruinewoud consumed the large part of a bottle of vodka at a party in Birralee and became aggressive towards others at the function.

Her husband encouraged her to leave the gathering about 5.30am.

He was driving home with Mrs Bruinewoud and believed he had managed to calm her down from her emotional state.

“However, as the vehicle was travelling on Rookery Rd, she removed her seatbelt and, without warning, jumped out of the vehicle before her husband could hold her or stop the vehicle,” Ms McTaggart said.

“The vehicle was travelling at an estimated speed of 50km/h, less than the speed limit of 80km/h.

Brieley Bruinewoud, whose tragic death was detailed by a coroner in Tasmania. Picture: Facebook.

“Mrs Bruinewoud struck her head on a dirt mound causing a severe head injury. An ambulance was summoned and she was transported, unconscious, to the Launceston General Hospital for treatment.”

The woman, who had been a theatre nurse at the LGH, was later transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital with extensive head injuries.

“Unfortunately, Mrs Bruinewoud developed no clinically significant neurologic improvement and a palliative approach was adopted,” Ms McTaggart said.

The Loira woman passed away in the Whittle Ward in December 2020.

Ms McTaggart said it was likely Mrs Bruinewoud’s death had resulted from “an irrational decision in a highly intoxicated state” rather than an attempt to harm herself.

The coroner extended her condolences to Mrs Bruinewoud’s family and loved ones.