The tragic suicide of trans woman Bridget Flack in late 2020 has ignited an inquest into the police response to her disappearance in Melbourne. Bridget’s sister, Angela Pucci-Love, shared harrowing details during the coronial inquest, shedding light on the initial indifference shown by law enforcement.
Bridget Flack’s “uncharacteristic” disappearance on November 30, 2020, prompted concerns from her family and friends. Just three days after she went missing, police informed Angela Pucci-Love that “no more could be done.” This response came at a time when Bridget’s vulnerability as a trans woman and her risk of suicide should have been taken seriously.
It wasn’t police officers who eventually located Bridget, but two members of the LGBTIQ+ community who, along with hundreds of others, rallied and conducted their own searches across Melbourne. Tragically, Bridget’s body was found 11 days after her disappearance in bushland on December 11, the result of suicide.
Angela Pucci-Love emphasized Bridget’s intelligence, creativity, and her role as a “beautiful and loyal friend” during the inquest. In the weeks leading up to her death, Bridget struggled to access adequate mental health services, compounding her vulnerability.
Angela expressed her frustration and astonishment at the initial lack of seriousness regarding Bridget’s suicide risk and vulnerability. She recalled her efforts to convey the heightened risk that Bridget faced as a trans woman, emphasizing her vulnerability to violence.
Despite Angela’s pleas, police did not formally assist with ground searches and denied requests to trace Bridget’s phone until the battery had died. Angela recounted a police officer’s suggestion to call the fire brigade and “just say there’s been smoke seen” to gain access to Bridget’s flat.
Detective Senior Constable Dan Garside, who took over Bridget Flack’s case on December 4, acknowledged the shortcomings in the initial police response. He expressed his deep concern and noted that “there was plenty more that could be done.”
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson admitted that the search for Bridget “could have been managed a lot better” and expressed regret that members of her community had to find her deceased.
The inquest into Bridget Flack’s death is part of a broader examination of the deaths of five trans women aged 18-33 in Victoria, all of whom died by suspected suicide. The aim of the inquest is to explore commonalities among these tragic incidents and identify opportunities for prevention.
Counsel assisting Gemma Cafarella clarified that the inquest is not drawing a direct link between being transgender and experiencing psychological distress or mental illness. Instead, it seeks to identify prevention opportunities to avoid similar deaths in the future.
As the inquest continues, it highlights the importance of appropriate and empathetic responses from law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of transgender individuals, particularly in moments of crisis.