Howard Conkey
Tad's Legacy
2024
This is a story of Tad whose death was a tragedy. Despite a life that held such promise, he lost his way to the most abused and misunderstood drug, alcohol. Tad's story shines a light on vulnerability, human rights, and mental health through an intimate portrayal from his earliest years growing up in Africa to his fateful last days when seriously ill he vanished without trace from a major hospital.
A missing person investigation by police failed to find him leaving his corpse to be discovered by chance months later shockingly in the middle of Australia's national capital. The inquest that followed exposed systemic failings and led to major changes. It also highlighted what else needs to be done in the interests of public safety to ensure it never happens again.
About the Author
Howard Conkey is a Canberra-based journalist, author and former political adviser. He has worked across journalism, politics and public affairs, with a longstanding interest in the issues and people that shape Canberra and the wider community. He is the author of Tad’s Legacy, a deeply personal account of the life and death of his long-time friend Tad Kahsai.
