Pics would be really good in this case to see where the crown detached and the type of palm.
Usually the palm head will bend over in a wilting fashion prior.
Was the fronds green or dead?
Look at the fibres where the head separated, were they brownish colour and take a whiff, does it smell like ammonia rotting?
There are fungal attacks that can have impact upon palms as well as drought stressed. Most drought stressed will get thinner, lots of tatty dying fronds and look like they're being sucked thinner.
Lightening strike can also have similar effects with the head falling off, will stink for sure as the palms rots and ferments.
Detailed pics would be good.
Where abouts in Brisbane are you? |