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Mum Declared Dead, Found Alive in Morgue
4 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A woman was pronounced dead after collapsing, only to be found alive.
- Paramedics transferred her to the mortuary where she was discovered.
- Her family argues treatment delay significantly impacted her outcome.
A devastating incident unfolded when a 54-year-old mother was declared dead following a collapse in her kitchen due to a seizure. Paramedics attended the scene, but instead of transport to an emergency department, she was taken to Darlington Hospital Mortuary. It was there that mortuary staff made the shocking discovery that she was, in fact, still alive.
Tragically, the woman later died from brain damage. The coroner noted the difficulty in determining the exact duration of oxygen deprivation to her brain. Her family's representative highlighted a critical two-hour period where she received no treatment, suggesting her outcome might have been different with prompt medical intervention. Evidence of brain function and response to stimuli was noted even in the mortuary.
The North East Ambulance Service has launched an investigation and offered apologies for the distress caused, stating that the involved colleagues are being supported. Durham Constabulary investigated the death but determined no criminal charges would be filed. The inquest has been adjourned, with the family remembering their mother for her kindness and positivity.
