The inquest into the death of a Winton teenager who died in a car crash about five blocks from his home will not be re-opened, Southern coroner David Crerar has ruled.
Stevieowen Darryl Kenneally (18) died on November 6, 2011, when the Ford Fairmont he was in failed to negotiate a moderate left-hand bend near the intersection of Park and Bute Sts and crashed about 5.24am.
Police believed Strathan Yannis Douglas Hurst, who was also 18 at the time, was driving. He was charged with manslaughter but was acquitted by a jury in the High Court in Invercargill in December last year. The jury said on the evidence it had heard, it would not decide which of the teenagers was driving.
Neither teen was wearing a seat belt and evidence was given both had been thrown around the interior of the car on impact.
In findings released on Thursday, Mr Crerar said Mr Keannelly died instantly of severe brain injuries. Because of the jury's finding, he was unable to rule who was driving and left that aspect open.
There were no mechanical faults believed to have caused or contributed to the crash, but the Fairmont had failed its most recent warrant of fitness, he said.
Neither teenager held an appropriate driver's licence for the Fairmont. Both were intoxicated. Mr Kenneally's blood-alcohol level was 107mg and Mr Hurst's 81mg. The legal limit for drivers under 20 is zero.
Police estimated the Fairmont was travelling at 121kmh-124kmh in a 50kmh zone when it left the road.
''Neither Stevieowen Kenneally or Strathan Hurst were wearing seat belts at the the time of the crash,'' Mr Crerar said.
''It is appropriate for all drivers to recognise the risks of driving whilst intoxicated, travelling at excessive speed and failing to wear seat belts.''
