Inquest into the death of Road Death 51 of 2024

59y · Female·Complications of blunt force chest injuries with clinically diagnosed Pseudomonas pneumonia; morbid conditions: decompensated liver cirrhosis (alcohol-related) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A 59-year-old woman with Child Pugh C liver cirrhosis and COPD suffered a single-vehicle crash on 15 October 2024 after losing control of her vehicle at a caravan park entrance. She had a blood alcohol level of 0.096% (moderate intoxication) and told paramedics she was unable to slow down. The crash caused bilateral rib fractures, pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, and lumbar spine fracture. She developed type 1 respiratory failure, Pseudomonas pneumonia, and acute renal failure during a 4-day hospital admission and died on 19 October 2024. The cause remains uncertain—either alcohol impairment or an unwitnessed medical episode precipitated the loss of vehicle control. Her pre-existing severe liver disease and COPD contributed significantly to her deterioration and death.