Finding into death of Nancy May Budge

83y · Female·Gunshot wound to the head

Nancy May Budge, 83 years old, died from a gunshot wound to the head on 3 November 2016. She had extensive cardiac history including multiple valve replacements, pacemaker insertion, and congestive heart failure diagnosed in 2016. Two hospital admissions in October 2016 for heart failure and COPD exacerbation resulted in good recovery, but she was informed further surgical intervention was not feasible. Mrs Budge had previously expressed to family that if medical help was unavailable, she would end her life. The coroner found this death fell outside the court's prevention jurisdiction given pending voluntary assisted dying legislation in Victoria, and made no adverse clinical findings or recommendations regarding her medical care.