Coroner to probe death of Aboriginal man in custody

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised the following article contains the name of a person who has died.

A coroner will investigate the death of an Aboriginal man at Victoria's largest maximum security prison.

Marley Wright, who had a long history of mental health issues and previous suicide attempts, was serving a five-year sentence at Port Phillip Prison for family violence and burglary offences.

He was a proud Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung, Yuin, Monero, Tharawal, and Wadawurrung man.

READ MORE: Radio giant John Laws to retire after 71 years behind the mic

His death was discovered during a routine check on September 4.

CPR was immediately undertaken and an ambulance was called, but efforts to revive Wright were unsuccessful.

At the time of his death, Wright was being held in the Charlotte unit, where prisoners were separated from each other and placed under lockdown conditions for 23 hours a day.

Today, the Coroners Court of Victoria confirmed Detective Acting Sergeant Cassandra Siddle as the coronial investigator and set the delivery of the coronial brief for February 7, 2025.

The court also noted parallel investigations by the Justice Assurance and Review Office and Worksafe Victoria, which they would seek monthly updates on.

READ MORE: Meteorologist gets emotional as he details strengthening of Hurricane Milton

Wright is the 18th First Nations man who has died in custody this year, according to the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.

His mother Aunty Carol Wright said her son was adored by his family.

"This has hit us all so hard and we are devastated," she said in a statement today.

Port Phillip Prison, Victoria's largest jail, is expected to close by the end of 2025, with inmates to be moved to other facilities.

The royal commission into deaths in custody, which ran from 1987 to 1991, recommended the removal of hanging points in prisons.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.