Australian forensic pathologist, known as ‘Doctor Death,’ has shared insights into various unusual and grim ways people have met their demise. Over the years, Roger Byard has extensively investigated macabre fatalities, including those caused by animals like dogs, snakes, sharks, roosters, and mackerel.
One peculiar incident he mentioned involved a fisherman in Australia’s Northern Territory who tragically died when a 25-kilogram mackerel jumped out of the water and fatally struck him in Darwin Harbour, illustrating a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
During a recent episode of the I Catch Killers podcast hosted by former detective chief inspector Gary Jubelin, Byard, who holds the George Richard Marks Chair of Pathology at the University of Adelaide, recounted a notorious case from his early career known as the ‘bodies in barrels’ murders that shook Australia in the 90s. The killings, orchestrated in Snowtown, South Australia, by ringleader John Justin Bunting and accomplices, involved a disturbing form of vigilantism targeting individuals without substantial evidence.
Describing the chilling discovery of dismembered bodies in barrels during his first week on call, Byard highlighted the emotional toll of his profession, noting the distressing nature of his work, which often involves confronting gruesome scenes and delivering difficult news to grieving families.
In a more bizarre account, Byard narrated how an elderly woman met her end due to an attack by her roosters, emphasizing the danger posed by seemingly harmless animals. He also warned about the risks associated with varicose veins, citing cases where minor injuries led to fatal consequences, underscoring the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in such situations.
Despite the somber aspects of his job, Byard also shared moments of lightheartedness during the interview, shedding light on the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a forensic pathologist.