Inquest into Tammy Shipley's Death Reveals Water Intoxication as Cause

Tammy Shipley, a 47-year-old mother of five, died in custody at Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre in New South Wales on December 20, 2022, due to water intoxication, as revealed in a coronial inquest. Shipley had been arrested on minor shoplifting charges and was recorded on CCTV consuming at least 67 cups of water within a 12-hour period leading up to her death. The inquest, which began in September 2024, was initially adjourned due to a challenge regarding the coroner’s jurisdiction to examine the circumstances of her arrest. However, the Supreme Court of New South Wales ruled that the coroner could investigate the conditions surrounding her detention, particularly given Shipley’s mental health history.

The Guardian

Shipley had a documented history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, alongside substance abuse and previous suicide attempts. During her arrest, she communicated to police that she was experiencing auditory hallucinations. Despite this, the New South Wales police did not inform the corrections department or custody management officers about her mental health conditions. Counsel assisting the coroner, Peggy Dwyer SC, suggested that the current systems for managing individuals with complex mental health issues may require updates to ensure adequate communication between police and custodial management.

The Guardian

On the day of her death, CCTV footage showed Shipley drinking excessively from a red cup, which could hold approximately 300ml of water. Dwyer indicated that on December 20 alone, Shipley likely consumed around 20 liters of water. At 11:55 AM, she collapsed in her cell, exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting and spasming. Despite prison guards passing her cell multiple times, they did not notice her deteriorating condition until 1:15 PM, when a prison officer finally checked on her. By that time, attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.

The Guardian

The inquest is currently examining whether existing protocols adequately address the needs of inmates with mental health issues. Dwyer emphasized the need for improved systems to alert police and custodial staff about inmates' mental health histories, similar to alerts for family violence.

The Guardian

Critics have raised concerns regarding the response time of prison staff and the lack of awareness about Shipley’s mental health status. The failure to recognize her medical distress in a timely manner has prompted calls for systemic changes in how correctional facilities manage inmates with complex mental health needs.

The Guardian

• “So that means just on the 20th of December alone, Tammy is likely to have consumed at least 20 litres of water.” — Peggy Dwyer SC, Counsel Assisting the Coroner

The Guardian

• “At 12:27pm, one officer … walked past cell five that Tammy was in, and the cell was not visible externally, but if someone had looked inside, they would have seen Tammy seizing on the bed,” — Peggy Dwyer SC, Counsel Assisting the Coroner

The Guardian

• “All attempts were made to try and revive Tammy and perform CPR, but tragically, it was too late.” — Peggy Dwyer SC, Counsel Assisting the Coroner

The Guardian

The inquest into Tammy Shipley’s death continues, with further investigations expected to address the systemic issues highlighted by this tragic case.

The Guardian