Inquest into the Death of Subhas CHANDRA

50y · Male·aspiration of vomit in a man with focal coronary arteriosclerosis

Subhas Chandra, a 50-year-old man, died between 3-4 November 2013 from aspiration of vomit in the setting of focal coronary arteriosclerosis. He had been involved in a physical altercation with a housemate shortly before midnight on 2 November 2013, after which police attended and left without making arrests. He then returned to his locked bedroom where he was found unresponsive the following morning. Autopsy revealed moderate coronary artery narrowing (approximately 40%) with terminal aspiration of gastric contents. Notably, the deceased had no documented cardiac history and was otherwise active and healthy. Police investigation explored the possibility of foul play or undisclosed trauma (including potential neck compression), but found no supporting evidence. The coroner concluded death was due to natural causes - cardiac arrhythmia triggered by stress from the altercation, with terminal aspiration. The case highlights how undiagnosed coronary disease can present fatally during acute stress, and the diagnostic challenge when sudden unexpected death occurs in previously well individuals without prior cardiac symptoms.