Coroner's Finding: VELKOS Basile

39y · Male·Multi organ failure complicating acute paraquat and diquat toxicity

A 39-year-old man with depression and alcohol misuse died from multi-organ failure following acute paraquat and diquat toxicity. He ingested herbicide stored in a Coca-Cola bottle on 10 June 2006, arriving at hospital significantly intoxicated. He was detained under the Mental Health Act and transferred from Lyell McEwin to Royal Adelaide Hospital where he died. The coroner found his detention lawful and appropriate, and medical treatment adequate. Clinically, this case highlights the dangers of herbicide poisoning and emphasises proper storage in clearly marked containers. It also underscores the challenge of managing patients presenting with intentional toxin ingestion whilst significantly intoxicated, requiring coordinated psychiatric and medical management during rapid deterioration from multi-organ failure.