Finding into death of Ali Sultan Zaidi

30y · Male·head and chest injuries sustained in a fall from a height

Ali Sultan Zaidi, a 30-year-old man with bipolar affective disorder, died from head and chest injuries sustained in a fall from height on 24 September 2007. He had a psychiatric review on 20 September 2007 with Dr M., who assessed him as non-suicidal, reviewed his medications (Lithium, Risperidone, and added Olanzapine), and found no basis for involuntary intervention. En route to hospital with his sister, he abruptly exhibited manic behaviour, absconded from the car, and subsequently jumped while acutely psychotic. The coroner found the death resulted from an impulsive act driven by psychotic symptoms that could not have been reasonably foreseen. No criticism was directed at Dr M.'s management. The coroner noted that due to the acute psychosis, the deceased did not form the necessary intent to commit suicide.