Finding into death of Mayumi Spencer

29y · Female·Cocaine toxicity

Mayumi Spencer, a 29-year-old woman, died from cocaine toxicity on 17 January 2015. At approximately 4:00 AM, her husband Dr S. discovered her having a seizure and vomiting. Rather than immediately calling emergency services, he spent approximately 3.5 hours attempting resuscitation and performing an unsuccessful cricothyrotomy using a kitchen knife before calling ambulances at 7:38 AM. Expert evidence indicated that even accounting for attempts to clear airway obstruction, emergency services should have been called within minutes. The death occurred in the context of a relationship characterised by family violence perpetrated by Dr S., including physical abuse, emotional abuse, coercive control, and an allegation of non-consensual cocaine injection. The coroner referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions, believing negligent manslaughter may have been committed due to delays in seeking urgent medical assistance and breach of duty of care.