Coroner's Finding: THOMPSON Wayne Robert McInnes

33y · Male·Multi-organ failure due to sepsis on a background of severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy

Wayne Robert McInnes Thompson, aged 33, died from multi-organ failure due to sepsis complicated by severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy. He had a complex medical history including viral myocarditis, previous intestinal resection with colostomy, and recurrent heart failure admissions. His condition was significantly compromised by poor medication compliance, ongoing methamphetamine use despite being on home detention, and progressive cardiac deterioration. He presented to hospital on 30 November 2016 severely septic with cellulitis, requiring intensive support including ECMO and mechanical ventilation. Despite maximal medical therapy, he died three days later. The coroner found no errors in his medical care at Flinders Medical Centre or in the application of home detention conditions. Key clinical lessons include the challenges of managing patients with severe cardiomyopathy who have substance abuse issues and poor compliance, and the importance of early recognition and aggressive treatment of sepsis in immunocompromised patients.