Warning: This article mentions a deceased Indigenous person.
In the 37 years since Mark Haines, a 17-year-old Indigenous teenager, was found dead on train tracks near Tamworth, New South Wales, several unanswered questions have persisted. Haines’ body was discovered on January 16, 1988, close to a cream-coloured car that was reported stolen. An autopsy revealed he died from a traumatic head injury.
The police investigation suggested that Haines may have ended up on the tracks either intentionally or while confused, a notion his family has consistently disputed. Recent activities included a traditional smoking ceremony held outside the Coroner’s Court of NSW, where Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame is presiding over the case.
Counsel assisting the investigation, Chris McGorey, detailed events surrounding Haines’ death, noting that a goods train travelling early that morning encountered what looked like a white box on the tracks. The train, travelling through heavy rain, rolled over the box, producing a noise akin to striking a small creature. Following this, the train crew returned to the area and briefly saw a body on the tracks shortly before it was struck.
Emergency responders later found Haines’ body, with a towel or blanket positioned under his head. However, none of the first responders could confirm having seen anyone responsible for placing it there. Surrounding the area, police discovered a light-coloured Torana that appeared to have rolled, its windscreen shattered, which may have been stolen from a local home earlier that morning. This vehicle contained Christmas presents and blankets, prompting further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Haines’ death.
As the inquest continues, several key questions are being considered: How did Haines end up on the railway line? Who was present during that time? Which of the two trains that passed over him might have been responsible for his injuries? Over the years, there have been rampant speculations about local residents knowing more than they have disclosed, including friends among the last to see him alive. One such friend, Glenn Mannion, who testified during the original inquest, firmly denied any involvement, stating he had no idea how Haines ended up in that location.
The hearings are scheduled to continue through Friday. For Indigenous crisis support, individuals are encouraged to reach out to 13YARN (13 92 76). General readers seeking support can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.