Inquest into the death of Lynne BARNETT

70y · Female·Unknown

Lynne Barnett, a 70-year-old woman, was found deceased at her home in Burwood, NSW in February 2017, having been dead for several weeks. Autopsy revealed moderate-to-advanced decomposition with only probable left ventricular fibrosis noted; no obvious cause of death could be identified. Toxicology was negative for alcohol, medications, and drugs of abuse. She had a history of COPD and presented to her GP with a cough in September 2016, declining chest X-ray. The coroner could not determine cause or manner of death. This case highlights the vulnerability of socially isolated elderly persons living alone and the importance of community outreach. Earlier medical intervention for her respiratory symptoms or greater social contact might have identified acute deterioration.