Jillaroo Dies in WA Outback Amid Extreme Heat Wave
Tiffani Phelps De Wildt, a 27-year-old jillaroo who had moved to Western Australia from the Netherlands six years prior, died on December 10, 2025, while mustering cattle on horseback near Ashburton Downs. She began to experience exhaustion, prompting colleagues to transport her to meet her husband, who then drove her towards the nearest hospital.
Incident Unfolds Near Ashburton Downs
Ms. Phelps De Wildt lost consciousness in the vehicle approximately 30 kilometers from the medical center. Her husband administered CPR after she became unresponsive.
Paramedics later found her on the Paraburdoo-Tom Price Highway.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded a maximum temperature of 44.8 degrees Celsius in Paraburdoo on the day of her death, marking it the hottest day of December 2025. Family members reported that paramedics at the scene suggested heatstroke as a possible cause of death.
Investigations Underway
WorkSafe is currently investigating the incident. WA Police have stated they are not treating Ms. De Wildt's death as suspicious and are preparing a report for the coroner.
An initial autopsy has been conducted, with further testing scheduled. Her family, who traveled to WA for her funeral, has received most of her remains, with half remaining in Australia as per her wishes.
Call for Improved Worker Safety in Extreme Heat
Ms. Phelps De Wildt's brother, Brandon De Wildt, expressed concerns about worker protection in extreme temperatures.
St John WA acting head of medicine, Andy Bell, characterized the death as a tragedy, noting the challenges of accessing medical help in remote areas and emphasizing that even young, healthy individuals are susceptible to heat stress.
Safe Farms WA chief executive Stephen Brown highlighted the impact of such deaths on the agricultural sector and advocated for increased education on heat risks. The Australian Council of Trade Unions recently called for national safety rules requiring employers to modify or cease duties at dangerous temperatures. Mr. Brown suggested that while a blanket policy might be complex for agriculture, a temperature threshold for ceasing work should be considered, similar to practices in other industries.