Finding into death of David Musicka

55y · Male·Complications of pneumonia

David Musicka, a 55-year-old man with cerebral palsy living in residential care, died from complications of pneumonia. Post-mortem examination revealed acute bilateral bronchopneumonia with cavitating lesions and Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Although he had presented with respiratory symptoms in December 2017 and February 2018, these were attributed to upper respiratory tract infection and treated appropriately. His final presentation four days before death showed no obvious chest complaint. The coroner's independent Health and Medical Investigation Team concluded that although pneumonia with minimal acute symptoms is uncommon, it does occur, and the medical care provided was reasonable with no preventable opportunities identified. His death appeared sudden despite the significant underlying lung pathology.