Coroner's Finding: COX Ricky Glen

17y · Male·refractory status epilepticus caused by either a viral infection, an underlying epileptic condition or a combination of a viral infection and an underlying epileptic condition

Ricky Cox, a 17-year-old Aboriginal youth in juvenile detention, died from refractory status epilepticus triggered by either viral infection or underlying epilepsy. On 2 February 2006, he became febrile and unwell at Cavan Training Centre. His ED assessment on 3 February found 'no disease' and he was discharged. On 6 February he deteriorated rapidly with seizures and was transferred to hospital. Despite trials of 8 anticonvulsants and induced coma, his seizures persisted, causing brain swelling, coning, and brain death. No clinical mismanagement was identified in hospital care or initial ED assessment. However, systemic investigative failures occurred: allegations of illicit drug supply at the detention centre were investigated by police but deliberately withheld from the coroner by the investigating officer, undermining the completeness of death investigation.