Findings from the investigation into the death of Nathan Mugridge in a single-vehicle car crash in 2022 found “no definitive cause” of the crash. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

CONTENT WARNING: This story contains potentially upsetting material.

A coroner found “speed, inexperience and drunkenness” were among the factors behind a fatal car crash in 2022.

On May 20, 2022, 21-year-old Nathan Allen Mugridge was driving home with his friend Samuel Berron in the front passenger seat when the car left Kingsford Smith Drive in Melba and crashed into a light pole near the Verbrugghen Street intersection.

ACT Coroner Ken Archer found that although the exact cause of the crash could not be determined, there were many contributing factors.

“Excessive speed, inexperience, intoxication, performance characteristics of the vehicle and poor mechanical condition of the vehicle were likely contributing factors to the collision,” he said.

The two men had left Mr Mugridge’s home to “play pokie and have a few drinks” at the Belconnen Football Club in McKellar, leaving the venue at 5pm.

A short time later Mr Mugridge was driving them south along Kingsford Smith Road in Melba.

“Mr Berron recalled that he thought Nathan ‘drove like a granny’ and told Nathan to ‘give it some time’ and ‘listen to the turbo if he wants to hear what it sounds like’,” Mr Archer said. in question.

Mr Mugridge eventually lost control of the car and crashed into the driver’s side light pole.

He died in the accident and the autopsy revealed that the cause of death was severe head trauma.

“Based on the available evidence, I do not think Mr Berron took any physical action that would have contributed to the cause of the accident or Nathan’s death,” Mr Archer said.

Following the crash, Mr Berron managed to extricate himself from the vehicle.

Witnesses saw Mr Berron walk towards the car and begin shouting at Mr Mugridge. He then climbed back into the passenger seat and struck his friend several times in the chest and shoulder area.

Mr Berron at the ACT Magistrates’ Court He eventually admitted the charges tampering with a dead body and general assault.

In May 2023, he was sentenced to 12 months of good behavior for his crime and fined $2000.

Mr Archer found that “the performance characteristics of the car and the poor mechanical condition of the vehicle” were other factors behind the crash.

After the crash, Australian Federal Police officers inspected Mr Berron’s car and found that it was equipped with a specialized four-cylinder engine and was generally considered a high-performance vehicle.

“The engine system included a variety of aftermarket components, including an electronic boost controller with an in-cabin switch to vary boost pressure, aftermarket exhaust system, aftermarket high-flow air filter and aftermarket purge valve,” Mr. Archer said. .

Mr Berron confirmed that the front bumper and rear subframe were damaged before the accident.

However, although officers “did not identify the lift in the damaged subframe as a specific mechanical failure (possibly due to the extent of collision damage)”, they found that it would not be roadworthy due to insufficient tire depth and suspension. height.

Investigators found that the road surface and markings were in good condition at the time of the accident and the car was likely traveling between 123 km/h and 138 km/h.

As a passenger, Mr Berron’s blood alcohol level was not tested. But Mr Mugridge’s blood tests revealed he was twice the legal limit for fully licensed drivers.