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Scientist Found Dead After Sleep-Deprived Delirium
20 Nov
Summary
- Scientist died after a night shift, entering sleep-deprived delirium.
- He was found deceased in a river near his workplace.
- Work stress and a demanding shift pattern contributed to his state.

A 39-year-old hospital lab scientist, Adam Spoors, was discovered deceased in a river after a night shift, having entered a state of sleep-deprived delirium. The inquest revealed that Adam had been under significant stress due to a new role and a demanding, irregular shift pattern. He left his shift early on March 30, drove his car to a lane near the hospital, and then walked through brambles towards the River Kenwyn, discarding clothes and shoes along the way.
Colleagues initiated a search when Adam did not return home after his shift. Police traced his car to Penventinnie Lane. His wife confirmed he had been under great work stress but was trying to manage. She described his actions as panic-driven, suggesting he was in a 'flight or fight' state due to extreme disorientation from lack of sleep and the erratic schedule. He had worked a grueling week with back-to-back night shifts alone.




