Queensland Police investigate death of ‘malnourished’ non-verbal man with Down syndrome
The sister and caregiver of a non-verbal man with Down syndrome who died weighing just 29kg has been identified as a person of interest by police investigating his death.
Isaac Oar, 56, was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive and seriously malnourished at an Alice Street address in Ayr, south of Townsville, on August 10, 2023.
Queensland Police are investigating Oar’s care and treatment and have made a renewed public appeal for information.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In a video released on Thursday, officers can be seen walking through a dwelling in 2023 cluttered with belongings stacked on top of each other. Doors are blocked by boxes with objects spilling out of bags and containers.
Police are asking members of the Burdekin community to come forward with information about Oar’s care and treatment.
“Isaac was found seriously malnourished - he was only 29 kilos at the time of his death,” Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd told reporters on Thursday.
“He was being cared for by a family member.
“He hadn’t been or received any professional medical treatment in well over a decade so it makes the investigation quite complex.
“We do believe people would have had contact with the family members, would have had contact with the house at times during the years preceding his death, and we believe that those people may be able to assist us.”
Police allege Oar’s condition stemmed from years of neglect.
Det Insp Shepherd said Oar’s primary caregiver, his older sister, was a person of interest in their investigation.
There is no suggestion by AAP or 7NEWS.com.au of any wrongdoing.
“At this stage, the primary person of interest is your primary carer,” Det Insp Shepherd said.
“There’s no other information to suggest that other people would have been involved in him leading to be in the state that he was found in.”
If police did not find an offender responsible, the investigation would shift to the coroner and potentially a coronial inquest, Det Insp Shepherd said.
Originally published on AAP
