Cause of Death unknown

[Nosha123]

Dear all (and particularly those of you who are medically knowledged!)

A friend of a friend of a friend... had a brother.. aged 45.. who dropped dead at work 2 weeks ago.
Two post mortems have come back as 'unknown cause of death' and there is now going to be an inquest....
What is an inquest? and what could have killed him that couldnt be detected in the first 2 post mortems..

I never met the poor hap - but his family must be terribly upset by this all.
He had no prior health concerns or illnesses and was found collapsed on the floor of the rest room at work during a night shift

[ummmm]

Can't really answer your question properly but my uncle had 'cause of death unknown'

He was older than this chap though so I would guess they are looking into it further because of his age.

[NoMercy]

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome - the adult version of SIDS. Sometimes for no obvious or discernable reason, someone's heart just stops beating.

I should imagine the inquest will be short and sweet and they will want to hear details of his recent medial history, frame of mind around the date of his death, statements from those who saw him in recent days, etc. Do you know if they've had the results of Toxicology back yet?

[Nosha123]

Have no idea about toxicology test results.. but seeing as its been 2 weeks and an inquest is now being started I would assume they would look into drugs/alcohol at an earlier stage (wouldnt they???????)
I thought maybe it could be SADS... he was fairly fit I think.. not super fit.. but did go to the gym.
I dont know him. but was more curious as to what on earth it could be that killed him and why the tests so far have revealed so little

[ummmm]

Like what NoM said...In my uncles case his heart just stopped beating. Luckily he was asleep. Perfect pain free death.

[NoMercy]

Inquests are usually opened right away, so don't read too much into it. It could be 18 months before the inquest is heard.

Toxicology can sometimes take weeks to come back.

[Nosha123]

thanks folks!

[Cathyhuns]

Post Mortems and Inquests are not the same.

A Post Mortem is a medical investigation into the cause of death and will include such things as toxicology.

An Inquest is held by a Coroner and is a legal investigation into the cause of death when a Doctor cannot prepare a Death Certificate, which they cannot do if they have not seen the patient recently. The Inquest looks at the Post Mortem results but does not repeat them. The Coroner then makes a judgement as to the cause of death. The link below explains the difference quite well.

http://www.direct.gov...AfterADeath/DG_066713

[Nosha123]

really helpful post thanks!!! Cathyhuns

[Eastender]

Very sad story. I hope the family get some answer.

[Rodge2]

Wasn't it something similar with Stephen Gately?