Inquest into the death of Diane BRIMBLE findings

42y · Female·gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) toxicity; cardiorespiratory depression

A 42-year-old woman holidaying on a cruise ship died from gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) toxicity. She was unknowingly given GHB by male passengers who subsequently engaged in sexual abuse while she was incapacitated. The ship's medical team initiated resuscitation promptly and professionally when she was found unresponsive, but the patient had already suffered cardiorespiratory depression from the toxic drug dose. Critical delays in resuscitation occurred because perpetrators showered and re-clothed her body before calling for help, potentially delaying recognition of drug ingestion. When asked by the treating physician if she had consumed drugs, one perpetrator lied. Early recognition of drug toxicity and immediate intubation might have prevented death.