Deceased
Richard Thorn
Demographics
67y, male
Date of death
2012-05-31
Finding date
2014-11-11
Cause of death
hypothermia
AI-generated summary
Richard Thorn, a 67-year-old man with a history of alcoholism and back problems affecting mobility, was found deceased on his bedroom floor. Autopsy confirmed death from hypothermia (core temperature <35°C), evidenced by Wischnewski's ulcers. He exhibited paradoxical undressing and confused behaviour typical of hypothermia. Risk factors included advanced age, living alone, pre-existing disease (severe heart disease found at autopsy), alcoholism, and ambient temperatures of 6.8–9.8°C in late May. While the precise reason he was on the floor remains unclear—possibly fall, intoxication, or positioning for back pain—clinical lessons include recognising hypothermia risk in elderly alcoholic patients living alone with mobility issues, and ensuring adequate monitoring and environmental safety for vulnerable individuals.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Specialties
Drugs involved
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