In findings released today, Coroner Ian Telford said Barry\u2019s injuries were unsurvivable and he died in hospital on the evening of April 15 last year.<\/p>\n
His daughter, Megan Barry, who shared his great passion for motorsport and speedway<\/a>, told NZME her father was much more than the circumstances of his death.<\/p>\n She said on behalf of the family that while no report could bring him back, they were grateful the coronial inquest was over.<\/p>\n \u201cThe process has required us to revisit one of the most painful periods of our lives, and we are grateful that Kevin\u2019s story has been carefully heard and considered,\u201d she said in a statement.<\/p>\n As the family reflected on the findings, their focus remained on honouring his memory and the interests which brought him so much happiness.<\/p>\n He would always be remembered as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and someone whose love of life, family, and motorsport brought people together, Megan Barry said.<\/p>\n \u201cMotorsport was a significant part of his life, and Saturday nights at Western Springs Speedway<\/a> were a treasured family tradition. <\/p>\n \u201cThe memories made there will always hold a special place in our hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n She still heard his voice in moments when faced with a challenge or difficult decision, especially in her role as course clerk at Lucas Oil Auckland Speedway.<\/p>\n \u201cI often find myself asking, \u2018What would Dad do\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n At other times, she could almost hear him saying one of his favourite phrases: \u201cYou bloody muppet\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was classic Kevin, delivered with humour, warmth, and usually a lesson not far behind. <\/p>\n \u201cThose words still make us smile and remind us of the man we miss every day.\u201d<\/p>\n The family expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who had supported them.<\/p>\n \u201cThe compassion, understanding, and encouragement of our family, friends, and wider community have been invaluable and have helped sustain us through some of our most difficult days.\u201d<\/p>\n Accident a \u2018stark reminder\u2019<\/p>\n Coroner Telford said the accident was a \u201cstark reminder\u201d that the dangers posed by the machine being used must never be underestimated. <\/p>\n Barry had travelled to Whang\u0101rei<\/a> on the morning of April 14 last year.<\/p>\n He received training on the track stump grinder soon after starting the job and was assessed as competent to operate it. <\/p>\n The machine was controlled remotely and featured a rotating cutter wheel used to grind stumps.<\/p>\n Barry\u2019s employer said he knew the machine well and could troubleshoot and fix mechanical problems.<\/p>\n He described him as a smart, physically fit worker who was careful and safety-conscious. <\/p>\n No concerns identified <\/p>\n On arriving in Whang\u0101rei, Barry met a supervisor who reviewed the work and observed his operations.<\/p>\n No concerns were identified, Coroner Telford said.<\/p>\n The following morning, the supervisor carried out safety checks before Barry began removing two tree stumps on a grass berm. <\/p>\n He was wearing standard safety gear including a helmet, safety boots, hearing protection, face and visual protection and a long-sleeved, high-visibility top. <\/p>\n He had the remote-control unit around his neck.<\/p>\n Coroner Telford said consistent with his company\u2019s lone worker policy, Barry was carrying a mobile phone he used to send photos and work updates.<\/p>\n About 20 minutes after he last used his phone at 5pm, he was found by a passerby, lying critically injured on the ground.<\/p>\n A WorkSafe<\/a> investigation found no breach of health and safety laws.<\/p>\n The machine and remote control unit were independently tested and found to be working as expected. <\/p>\n WorkSafe said in the absence of witnesses or CCTV, the scene photographs and Barry\u2019s injuries provided the best evidence to establish what occurred.<\/p>\n It concluded that after the stump grinding was finished, Barry raised the cutting arm so the cutter wheel was clear of the ground.<\/p>\n Contrary to the required operating procedure, the cutter wheel was not disengaged but remained spinning while the stump grinder was manoeuvred into the position in which it was later found. <\/p>\n Coroner Telford said this placed the machine at an angle to the pavement edge and adjacent to Barry\u2019s vehicle and trailer, parked nearby on the roadside.<\/p>\n \u201cFor reasons unknown, possibly while attempting to pass between the stump grinder and the parked vehicle, Mr Barry approached the area of the spinning cutter wheel.\u201d<\/p>\n It placed him within the recognised danger zone, resulting in the fatal accident.<\/p>\n Coroner Telford said that while it was not possible to know precisely what happened, he accepted WorkSafe\u2019s theory as the most likely scenario.<\/p>\nThe family of motorsport enthusiast Kevin Barry (right), including son Ryan Barry (left), said that as they reflected on a coroner’s findings, their focus remained on honouring his memory and the interests that brought him so much happiness. Photo \/ Barry family.<\/p>\n