Queensland coroner Terry Ryan says former soldier and Australian Embassy security guard Chris Betts probably did not mean to die when he put a friend's gun to his head and pulled the trigger.
Mr McKay and Mr Betts were friends who both worked for the firm Unity Resources Group , which was contracted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide personal protection to embassy staff.
Mr Betts's death was initially reported as a suicide, but his parents pushed for the inquest over concerns other factors may have played a role. In handing down his findings, state coroner Terry Ryan said there was insufficient evidence to suggest Mr Betts intentionally took his own life. "Just before 2:30am, Mr Betts took Mr McKay's glock handgun, which was kept in Mr McKay's room and had been loaded earlier by Mr McKay," Mr Ryan said.
"Mr Betts held it next to his head and pulled the trigger, and suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head."It's likely that his death was a tragic accident."
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