Coroner's Finding: DUFFIELD Clinton John
Deceased
Clinton John Duffield
Demographics
35y, male
Date of death
2017-02-08
Finding date
2021-06-02
Cause of death
unascertained - multifactorial cardiorespiratory arrest
AI-generated summary
A 35-year-old male died in police custody following arrest for dangerous driving and property damage. He displayed acute psychotic behaviour with paranoia, aggression, and 'super-strength' during restraint. Post-mortem examination revealed no specific cause of death. Forensic pathologist Dr H. concluded death was multifactorial, possibly involving excited delirium syndrome with underlying cardiac vulnerability, potassium dysregulation, or psychiatric predisposition. Police response was lawful and appropriate; restraint position was not positional asphyxia. Resuscitation efforts by police and paramedics were of high standard. The coroner found death was not preventable and made no recommendations, though the case highlights the medical risks associated with acute psychiatric crises requiring physical restraint.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- acute psychotic behaviour with agitation and violent resistance
- physical exertion during arrest and restraint
- possible underlying psychiatric disorder or drug-induced psychosis
- possible excited delirium syndrome
- possible electrolyte abnormalities (potassium dysregulation)
- possible underlying cardiac vulnerability including coronary artery atherosclerosis and long QT predisposition
- adrenaline surge during extreme physical exertion
- cannabis use
- low alcohol level
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