Judith Ditter's death was preventable, coroner finds
Coroner found Adelaide Hills Council could have prevented the death by requiring tree safety assessments in 2010 or 2012.
Judith Anne Ditter, 59, died in November 2020 when a tree branch fell on her car in the Adelaide Hills. Coroner Judge Ian White found that different actions could have prevented the death.
Adelaide Hills Council had chances in 2010 and 2012 to require arborist safety assessments during development approvals. An arborist said if he had inspected the tree before it fell, the defect would have been obvious.
The property owner was advised to prune the tree within 12 to 18 months but did not act. If the council had required safety checks or the owner had proceeded with removal, the death likely would have been prevented.
Recommendations have been made to the Local Government Association of SA and state ministers.
- Judith Anne Ditter, 59, died November 2020
- Death date and victim
- 2010 and 2012
- Council assessment windows
- Pruning within 12 to 18 months
- Arborist recommendation
Why it mattersCoroner identifies safety gaps in how councils assess tree risks before approving nearby development.
