Martin, Christopher Leslie

65y · Male·Spontaneous lethal arrhythmia on a background of cardiomegaly, myocardial fibrosis and ischaemic coronary artery disease in the context of stress and restraint

Christopher Martin, aged 65, died from cardiac arrest during police restraint following a drink-driving detection. He had significant underlying cardiac disease (coronary artery stenosis, myocardial fibrosis, cardiomegaly) and a history of brain injury causing unpredictable behaviour. During detention for breath testing, he became agitated, struggled with police, and a lateral vascular neck restraint was briefly applied. He collapsed and could not be resuscitated. The coroner found the officers' use of force was justified and appropriate under policy. Key clinical lessons: (1) undiagnosed or undertreated cardiac disease increases sudden death risk during physical stress; (2) Mr Martin had refused cardiac investigation despite prior chest pain and elevated troponin; (3) his brain injury and substance use complicated risk assessment; (4) officers appropriately attempted resuscitation. The case highlights vulnerability of elderly dependent persons and need for comprehensive health assessment in high-risk individuals.