Finding into death of Margaret Mary Broderick

62y · Female·Complications of WHO Class III obesity in a woman with epilepsy

Margaret Mary Broderick, 62, with intellectual disability, autism, schizophrenia (managed on clozapine), epilepsy, and severe obesity (BMI 48.2), lived in specialist disability accommodation provided by Scope Australia in Victoria. Over months prior to death, her treating GP noted gradual respiratory decline related to obesity-related sleep apnoea and hypoventilation syndrome. On 1 January 2025, she was found unresponsive in her home after a sudden cardiac event. Despite immediate CPR by support workers and paramedic attendance, she was pronounced deceased. The coroner found natural causes (complications of WHO Class III obesity) and specifically commended the high standard of care she received from both Scope Australia and her family, noting she was encouraged to live an independent, meaningful life with dignity and autonomy.