Finding into death of Suzanne Craig Morter

70y · Female·Multi-organ dysfunction complicating sepsis of unknown origin in setting of Alzheimer's dementia and Down Syndrome

Suzanne Craig Morter, aged 70, with Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's dementia died from sepsis with multi-organ dysfunction of unknown origin. She collapsed at home on 9 May 2024 and was taken to hospital where investigations revealed severe infection, acute kidney injury, and metabolic derangement. She had an advance care directive preferring limited interventions. Care transitioned to comfort care in accordance with her wishes, and she died peacefully in the palliative care unit. The coroner found the death was from natural causes and not unexpected. No clinical errors or preventability issues were identified. The case highlights appropriate end-of-life care decision-making in a patient with dementia and documented advance directives.