Finding into death of Alexander Petricca

29y · Male·respiratory sepsis in a man with cerebral palsy and epilepsy

Alexander Petricca, a 29-year-old man with cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, autism and developmental delay, died from respiratory sepsis following aspiration pneumonia. He had experienced multiple respiratory episodes requiring hospitalisation in the months preceding his death, with clinicians advising his family in August 2023 that deterioration was likely once aspiration occurred. Following a respiratory event in May 2024, he was admitted to Austin Hospital's palliative care unit where comfort-focused care was implemented. The coroner found his care was reasonable and appropriate, and the death was from natural causes. Key clinical lesson: careful attention to aspiration risk in patients with severe dysphagia and neurological impairment, with early discussion of goals of care and advance planning.