Finding into death of Dean Andrew Broughton

29y · Male·Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

Dean Broughton, a 29-year-old man with hyperekplexia and possible epilepsy living in an assisted living facility, was found deceased at home. Autopsy and review of medical records confirmed Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) as the cause. Dean had experienced three episodes of possible seizure activity in 2023 (March, August, October) and was awaiting expedited neurological review scheduled for January 2024 when he died. The coroner noted an apparent delay in accessing specialist neurological care but did not find the death preventable, recognizing that anti-epileptic medications carry risks and SUDEP cannot be entirely eliminated even with treatment. The case highlights the importance of timely access to specialist care in epilepsy management.