Finding into death of Heather Joy Harris
Deceased
Heather Joy Harris
Demographics
61y, female
Date of death
2025-07-25
Finding date
2026-06-29
Cause of death
Unascertained (natural causes)
AI-generated summary
Ms Harris, aged 61, with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and multiple medical conditions (including aortic regurgitation, hypothyroidism, dyspnoea, hyperlipidaemia, and obesity), was living in supported disability accommodation. On the day of her death, she displayed influenza symptoms and remained at the facility. She was found unresponsive by her carer at approximately 5:55pm after retiring to her room. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was promptly initiated by her carer and continued by paramedics with defibrillation, but Ms Harris was pronounced deceased at 6:05pm. Post-mortem examination and CT scanning were inconclusive. The cause of death was determined to be unascertained natural causes. Her cardiology assessment in January 2025 had been reassuring. Victoria Police found no suspicious circumstances or evidence of clinical mismanagement.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- influenza-like symptoms on day of death
- aortic regurgitation
- underlying cardiac condition
- obesity (BMI 37.5)
- complex medical history
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