Summary of the Case Surrounding Mark Haines’ Death
The tragic case of Mark Haines, a Gomeroi teenager, has resurfaced following an inquest into his mysterious death nearly 37 years ago. Found dead on train tracks near Tamworth, NSW, on January 16, 1988, Haines’ body was initially misidentified by police due to confusion surrounding his identity. His friend, Raymond Ervine, had lent Haines his birth certificate to gain entry to nightclubs, which led to a devastating error when police mistakenly assumed Haines was Ervine.
During the inquest, Ervine recounted the emotional moment he learned of his friend’s death, recalling how he opened the door to find police and his distressed mother. They had mistakenly delivered the heartbreaking news that he was the one who had died, causing an immense wave of confusion and sorrow. Ervine later realised the truth, noting that Haines had been discovered lying on the tracks in distress, sparking feelings of guilt over the role he played in the events of that night.
The initial police investigation suggested that Haines had either deliberately laid on the tracks or had been disoriented following a car accident. A stolen white Torana was recovered near the train line, leading authorities to believe it had overturned, yet many aspects of the case remain unclear. Haines’ body was found with a towel or blanket under his head and some cardboard boxes nearby, raising further questions about the circumstances leading to his demise.
Ervine, visibly emotional during his testimony, insisted that Haines was not a troublemaker and would never knowingly involve himself with a stolen vehicle, contradicting early police assertions. This statement reflects concerns from Haines’ family, particularly his uncle Don Craigie, who has long sought a re-examination of the case due to lingering uncertainties and unfounded rumours regarding the incident.
As the inquest continues, questions focus on how Haines ended up on the tracks and who may have been with him in the hours leading up to his death. Counsel assisting the inquest, Chris McGorey, emphasised the need for clarity on these critical issues as the hearings progress. The outcome of the inquest may finally provide some closure for Haines’ family and friends, who have been left grappling with unresolved questions for decades. The evidence presented in this latest round of hearings could shape the understanding of the tragic events surrounding Mark Haines’ life and untimely death.