The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating on behalf of the coroner after a man died in Royal Darwin Hospital earlier today.
Around 1pm on 30 May 2025, the Australia Federal Police (AFP) received reports of an intoxicated 68-year-old man, unable to board a flight out of Darwin.
The male was taken into protective custody by AFP officers and was initially conveyed to the Palmerston Watchhouse. Before being admitted and whilst still in AFP custody, the Custody Sergeant and nurse assessed the male where it was deemed necessary to convey the man to Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) for further assessment.
Upon arrival at RDH, AFP members noticed the man had lost consciousness. Medical staff were alerted, who immediately commenced CPR. Resuscitation efforts were successful, and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit in a stable condition for ongoing treatment for what was a suspected medical event.
Earlier today, the man passed away in the ICU. The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a post mortem.
The incident is being investigated as a death in custody, as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness. The Northern Territory Police Force is now investigating on behalf of the Coroner.
