State coroner Liberty Sanger acknowledged the family members of the deceased who appeared in court or watching a video link, including some of de Waart-Hottart’s loved ones in Belgium.
Sanger reminded those present that the coroner’s role is not to apportion blame but investigate the circumstances of a person’s death. In this case, it was finding out how and why the officers died, and how similar events could be avoided in the future.
The guard of honour outside the Victoria Police Academy at Vadim de Waart-Hottart’s funeral on September 5.Eddie Jim
The inquest, she said, would likely involve examining the conduct of police in the lead-up to and on the day of the shootings in Porepunkah.
“I offer my condolences to you all. It’s incredibly distressing to lose a loved one, even more so when the loss is unexpected and sudden,” Sanger told the family members.
“I acknowledge the grief experienced by Victoria Police … and police colleagues.
“The extent of their loss is truly unfathomable.”