Inquest opens into unexpected death of carer at age of 57

AN inquest has been opened into the death of a Derbyshire carer who died at home.

Tracey Ann Brown, 57, was pronounced dead by paramedics at her home in Ilam Square, Ilkeston, on Monday, March 14.

A post-mortem examination, carried out by Dr Terence Jones gave a medical cause of death as drug toxicity, the short hearing at Derby Coroners’ Court on Thursday was told. A secondary cause – meaning a factor that contributed to but did not directly cause the death – was given as hepatic cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver caused by hepatitis.

Sarah Huntbach, assistant coroner for Derby and Derbyshire, said: “The reason the death was reported to the coroner was, at the time, the cause of her death was not known. Therefore, the coroner was required to carry out an investigation to ascertain the medical cause of death.

“Her death was unexpected and an initial investigation has been carried out in the form of a postmortem examination. This inquest will now be adjourned to allow further investigations to be undertaken, to establish the facts around Tracey’s death.

“It will be relisted for its conclusion. The purpose of the inquest then will be to determine the facts to be able to conclude both how Tracey has come by her unexpected death and also to be able to reach a conclusion about her death.

“I would like to offer my condolences to Tracey’s family and friends for their very sad loss. The inquest will now be adjourned and it will be relisted as soon as possible, once the investigations have concluded.”