It was reported about Saturday 14 November that the body of P. S. O'Brien was found by natives on Split Rock Station south of Ashburton Downs. The police and the District Medical Officer, Dr. Adams, proceeded to the station to investigate.
On 19 November 1936, a newspaper article read: "The manager of Ashburton Downs Pastoral Co has reported the death of Paul Stewart O'Brien, an outcamp man in the employ of Ashburton Downs Station. Constable Wightman and the Coroner left by car to investigate this morning, as the death was reported by a native and it was unable to ascertain the cause of death from him."
The deceased was buried by by Police Constable Stanley J Wightman (Regimental No 1590) and Arthur R Adams RM, of The Residency, Onslow.