Detectives are probing 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 pronounced Oar, also known as “Ike,” deceased at the scene, and his death is being treated as suspicious.
Oar, who had been under the care of his older sister, weighed just 29 kilograms at the time of his death, raising concerns about his long term well-being.
“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.”
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 emphasised 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 to his death to come forward.
Down Syndrome Statistics and Health Risks
Oar’s death has highlighted 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 persist in ensuring adequate care and oversight for those in vulnerable situations.
Adults with Down syndrome are at a significantly increased risk of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of death in this population, making proper medical care crucial to their well-being.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which administers the National Disability Insurance Scheme, expressed condolences to those who knew Oar but declined to comment further 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 examine the circumstances to ensure justice for Oar.
