Finding into death of Richard Mark Ray

49y · Male·Complications of Influenza A infection

Richard Mark Ray, a 49-year-old prisoner, died from complications of Influenza A infection after deteriorating rapidly from initial viral symptoms. He presented on 18 March 2019 with fever, body aches and cough, treated symptomatically in custody. By 22 March, despite fever of 39.5°C, he remained in prison receiving paracetamol and ibuprofen. On the evening of 22 March, he developed respiratory distress and haemoptysis, requiring emergency transfer to hospital. He deteriorated to respiratory failure requiring intubation and ECMO support but died on 29 March. The coroner found custodial and health care management met required standards. Earlier hospital admission when symptoms escalated on 22 March evening, or closer monitoring of deteriorating respiratory status, might have changed outcomes, though Influenza A with pulmonary emphysema carries poor prognosis.