Steven “Feno” Fenwick, 33, who vanished in January 2019 after a big win on a poker machine in Newcastle, Australia, may have drowned and his body scavenged by sharks, a new inquest has suggested. The last official sighting of Fenwick was on a bus with his then girlfriend, but a witness reported seeing “an apparently naked and disorientated male” on the beach where his clothes were later found.
Inquest explores death circumstances
New South Wales police initially treated the case as a suspected murder, suggesting foul play could be behind the disappearance. However, the inquest indicated that Fenwick’s death was more likely naturally caused, with a shark attack not ruled out. Part of the inquiry focused on why Fenwick might have removed his clothes, with one theory being that he may have taken a drug that caused him to feel extremely hot.
Coroner Dean Jordan told the judge presiding over the inquest that Fenwick had been a regular user of methamphetamine, which on several occasions was known to make him overheat. He may have entered the water to cool down and subsequently drowned.
Drowning and shark theories
Jordan stated: “this [drowning] hypothesis cannot be ruled out and it is supported by witnesses' comments he made about going for a swim. There is evidence he had brought a towel with him and family evidence of him overheating using ice, leading to taking several cold showers a day.”
The coroner also examined the possibility that Fenwick was attacked by sharks, as the waters around the beach are known to be a breeding ground for great whites. However, he ruled that if sharks were involved, it was more likely this occurred after he had already died. Jordan said: “Three shark experts were asked about the possible role of sharks in the Stockton Beach area. Stockton Bight is considered the southern part of Port Stephens' white shark nursery. If sharks were involved at all, then post-drowning scavenging was more likely.”
Findings acknowledged as challenging
Jordan acknowledged the findings may be difficult for Fenwick’s family and friends to hear, saying: “As at the 28th of October, there are no indications Steven Fenwick is active or alive. It is clear he was a much-loved son, grandson and brother. I would also like to acknowledge your pain and frustration regarding these circumstances. Some of the evidence is going to be challenging. It is necessary for me to try to understand what has happened. I apologise for that in advance.” The inquiry also stated it believed Fenwick had not been murdered.
