SOLDIER DEATH INQUEST BEGINS
THE inquest into the death of former Grovedale College student-turned soldier Jason Challis begins in Darwin today.
The 25-year-old Private was shot in the head during a daytime live-fire exercise on a mocked-up building at the Mt Bundey Training Area, about 100km from Darwin shortly before 1pm on May 10, 2017.
The Australian Defence Force said Pte Challis received first aid immediately but was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital.
The inquest is expected to run for three days at the Darwin Local Court, and has been listed as an ‘accidental death’.
Northern Territory Coroner Greg Cavanagh will chair the inquest.
Mr Cavanagh was provided a report from the Northern Territory Major Crime Unit following its investigation into the death.
Defence insiders last year told News Corp that at least two soldiers involved in the exercise, their supervisor, and a range safety officer were ordered to give statements to the coroner.
The insiders also said there were issues with forensic evidence, claiming police struggled to locate the bullet that killed Pte Challis.
The fatal shot was suspected to have been fired at a cardboard target, and was thought to have landed in a mound backstop.
About 600 friends, family and wellwishers attended Pte Challis’ funeral in Highton in May last year.
The soldier’s mother Helen Brandich delivered a touching eulogy at the service.
“Jason, you came into this world in a hurry six weeks early, you were always in a hurry to do things and get things done, and you have done it again, leaving us so young,” Ms Brandich said. “We will miss you and love you forever.”
Jason’s commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Paul Shields also spoke at the service, describing Pte Challis as a young soldier who loved his life and loved his job.
“He was a real character, a hard worker, a loyal and trustworthy friend — a true blue Aussie Digger,” Lt-Col Shields said.
Pte Challis had joined the army in July 2016 wanting to follow in his stepfather’s footsteps.