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Police Investigate Suspicious Death of Individual with Down Syndrome


Authorities are urging anyone who had contact with the north Queensland family in the months leading up to his death to come forward.

Detectives are investigating the death of 56-year-old Isaac Oar, a non-verbal man with Down syndrome, who was found unresponsive at a property on Alice Street in Ayr, south of Townsville, on Aug. 10, 2023.

Emergency services declared Oar, also known as ‘Ike,’ deceased at the scene, and his death is considered suspicious.

Oar, under the care of his older sister, weighed just 29 kilograms at the time of his death, raising serious concerns.

“He was only 29 kilos—that doesn’t happen overnight. He hadn’t received any professional medical treatment in well over a decade,” Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd stated.

“There has obviously been years of neglect in some format.”

Police have confirmed the sister is a person of interest.

Complex Investigation Underway

The investigation has involved forensic medical examinations and a detailed post-mortem to determine the circumstances surrounding Oar’s death.

Detective Inspector Shepherd highlighted the complexity of the case.

“We will continue to investigate all aspects of Isaac Oar’s family dynamics, health, care, and treatment in the weeks, months, and years leading up to his death,” he said.

Authorities are appealing for anyone who had contact with Oar or his family in the months leading up to his death to come forward.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on our investigation,” Shepherd added.

Down Syndrome Statistics and Health Risks

Oar’s death has shed light on broader issues surrounding the care of individuals with Down syndrome in Australia.

Estimates from Down Syndrome Australia suggest there are between 13,000 and 15,000 people with the condition nationwide, with 5.14 individuals per 10,000 people.

Many are receiving support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, but challenges remain in ensuring adequate care and oversight for those in vulnerable situations.

Adults with Down syndrome are at a significantly higher risk of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of death in this population, underscoring the importance of proper medical care for their well-being.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which administers the National Disability Insurance Scheme, offered condolences to those who knew Oar but refrained from further comments due to the ongoing investigation.

“We will support Queensland Police as needed in their investigation,” an NDIA spokesperson said.

Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Homicide Investigation Unit, along with the Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch, are also continuing to investigate the circumstances to seek justice for Oar.



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