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Pathologist: Ex-Pro's Death Case 'Challenging'
20 Oct
Summary
- Colin Flatt died from bronchopneumonia and other complications.
- He had dementia and was treated in multiple settings.
- His death followed self-inflicted injuries and a fall.
The death of former professional footballer Colin Flatt, 81, who previously played for Southend United, Leyton Orient, and Barnet, is the subject of a challenging inquest. Flatt, who had dementia, died on September 7, 2021, from bronchopneumonia and related health issues.
His complex hospital admissions from May 2021 included incidents where he was restrained and later detained under the Mental Health Act. While at Basildon Hospital in July 2021, Flatt became agitated, stabbed himself with scissors, and then fell from the first floor onto a glass table.
Pathologist Dr. Virginia Louise Fitzpatrick-Swallow told the inquest that understanding the precise causes of death, which included complications from hospital admissions, the abdominal injury, and behavioral disturbances, was extremely difficult. Flatt's partner, Melanie Leahy, who advocates for mental health inquiries, also gave evidence.
The inquest continues as it seeks to fully understand the circumstances surrounding Flatt's death. Melanie Leahy's son also died in 2012 under NHS mental health care in the county.
