Inquest Reveals Shocking Details of Water Consumption Before Custody Death
A coronial inquest into the death of Tammy Shipley, an Aboriginal woman who died while in police custody, has heard that she drank approximately 67 cups of water in the hours leading up to her passing. The 47-year-old mother of five succumbed to water intoxication, a condition caused by excessive water intake leading to dangerously low sodium levels.
Background of the Case
Tammy Shipley was held on remand at the Silverwater women's correctional centre in New South Wales after being arrested on minor shoplifting charges. Her death occurred on December 20, 2022, and an inquest into the circumstances began in September 2024. The proceedings were initially adjourned due to a jurisdictional challenge by the police commissioner but resumed under State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan after the Supreme Court of NSW ruled that the coroner had the authority to examine the events leading to her detention.
Mental Health and Systemic Failures
Peggy Dwyer SC, counsel assisting the coroner, highlighted in her opening address that Shipley had a long history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, along with substance abuse and suicide attempts. Despite prior interactions with police under the mental health act, NSW police failed to inform corrections department or custody management officers about her acute mental health conditions. The inquest is now considering whether mental health indicators in police and custodial systems are adequate, suggesting updates similar to family violence warning systems.
During her arrest, Shipley reported hearing voices and delusions about her neighbours, yet she denied suffering from any mental health conditions. This disconnect raises serious concerns about how individuals with complex mental health needs are managed in custody.
Excessive Water Consumption and Tragic Outcome
CCTV footage showed Shipley drinking from a red cup at least 67 times between 12:33 am and 11:51 am on the day of her death, with the cup holding 300ml of water. This equates to an estimated consumption of at least 20 litres of water in that period alone, not accounting for prior days. At 11:55 am, she collapsed on her bed, experiencing vomiting, defecation, and spasms, as seen in the footage.
Prison guards did not notice her condition until 1:15 pm, despite walking past her cell earlier. The view into the cell was obstructed by blinds, delaying intervention. When a prison officer finally opened the hatch and found her non-responsive, nurses attempted CPR, but it was too late. An autopsy confirmed her death was due to hyponatremia from polydipsia, linked to her schizoaffective disorder.
Ongoing Inquest and Support Resources
The inquest continues to investigate the systemic issues surrounding Shipley's death, focusing on mental health protocols and custodial care. Indigenous Australians are encouraged to seek support through services like 13YARN, Lifeline, Mensline, or Beyond Blue for crisis assistance.
