Coroner's Finding: Christine Crickitt

Female·undetermined

Christine Crickitt died on 31 December 2009 or 1 January 2010 at Woodbine in unexplained and possibly suspicious circumstances. The coroner conducted a full inquest spanning eight hearing dates but could not determine either the cause or manner of death due to insufficient evidence. The critical finding was that the autopsy procedure was hindered by inadequate collection and storage of biological specimens essential for forensic analysis. Specifically, vitreous humour and blood serum specimens were not properly collected, retained, or stored. The coroner identified a systemic gap: many NSW morgues lacked appropriate equipment and standardised procedures for specimen preservation. The coroner recommended that all morgues throughout New South Wales implement mandatory procedures for collecting and storing these specimens during autopsies of sudden, unexplained deaths, and provide adequate storage facilities including freezers capable of maintaining -20°C temperatures to support rigorous forensic investigation.