Man Cried for Help Before River Drowning, Coroner Told

A police ethical standards command investigation later found that there was no police misconduct or breach of discipline.

An SES vehicle crosses through flood water in Tinamba in eastern Victoria, Oct. 5, 2023. Victoria's river systems are flooding after days of heavy rain, especially in the east where residents have been told to leave due to increased threat. AAP Image/James Ross

A young Indigenous man was caught up in a stolen car pursuit before drowning in an attempt to evade police by crossing a river, a coroner has heard.

Robert “Robbie” Malayta, 18, was found dead by police divers in the Ross River near the Townsville suburb of Kirwan in north Queensland at 11.48am on February 25, 2022.