OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Insights on Autopsy Results

In 2018, my significant other passed away under circumstances that raised questions. During his time in a correctional institution, I suspected foul play, but I’ve only recently received the coroner’s report after an official version was completed in July 2024. It was a long wait, as I received the report just a few months ago. I subsequently sought copies of some of the referenced tests along with the autopsy report. Upon review, the findings mostly suggested that his health was normal at the time of examination, with one pathologist ultimately determining the cause of death as "undetermined." Additional pathology tests were performed on heart tissue samples, revealing notable findings: the presence of myocyte hypertrophy, perivascular and interstitial fibrosis without any indications of inflammation in the left ventricle. Meanwhile, the right ventricle showed signs of hypereosinophilia and congestion, but the findings were deemed too vague to suggest a specific disease, and there were no known heart issues in his past or in his family history. However, several aspects of the report seem quite troubling: 1. Moderate amounts of blood were found in his lungs, yet no apparent source of trauma was identified—this hints at internal bleeding or a possibility of drowning, but no clear answers were offered. 2. Trace amounts of Narcan were detected in the toxicology report, although it seems to have been administered postmortem by paramedics approximately 30-40 minutes after emergency assistance was requested, which creates a contradiction. 3. Rib fractures were noted, yet there was a surprising lack of internal bleeding—this suggests that resuscitation efforts might have occurred post-death, or that the force applied was insufficient. 4. There is an inconsistency regarding the time of death, with the official and interim reports stating differing dates (April 26 and May 1) and no coherent explanation for this discrepancy. 5. The time it took to conclude the cause of death was startling—over six years—culminating in a report issued in July 2024, which raises questions about the reasons for such a delay. 6. The death was listed as 'natural' based on the assessment of an unnamed internal physician, which undermines transparency and contradicts the standard coroner practice that advocates for external pathology evaluations. 7. The toxicology screen failed to include crucial substances—like insulin or common poisons—necessary to rule out any slow-acting toxins, even though he had displayed concerning symptoms in the days leading up to his death. All illegal drugs tested negative, with no traces of THC or alcohol, leaving only Narcan detected. Concerning the rib fractures: 1. The presence of multiple rib fractures in locations typical of CPR—specifically, left ribs 2–4, left ribs 5–7 at the sternum, and right ribs 3–4—indicates possible resuscitation attempts, yet… 2. There was a complete absence of any hemorrhaging in surrounding soft tissues or organs, which in living patients generally occurs with similar injuries. This absence implies the fractures might have happened after he had already passed away. 3. Moreover, no damage to the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs was noted despite the significant number of fractures, which is peculiar if those areas had sustained harm during vigorous lifesaving efforts. Given these findings, particularly that two pathologists remarked on the cause being "undetermined" and the autopsy report echoing this sentiment, I find it perplexing that the coroner concluded the cause of death to be from natural causes after the family had waited so long. I’m curious: have any of you encountered similar cases or find these details peculiar? What inquiries should I pursue next to gain more clarity? And what insights can you offer on possible causes of death suggested by these findings, so I might advocate for further investigation?

Answers (1)

6/29/2025, 9:50:41 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry for the loss you're experiencing, and I can understand how deeply distressing the ambiguity surrounding the autopsy results must be for you. It's normal to seek clarity when faced with such complex and troubling findings.

Main Points:

1. The cause of death is listed as "undetermined," but there are indicators that warrant further investigation.
2. Several concerning discrepancies exist in the report, including the presence of rib fractures, blood in the lungs, and discrepancies in the timeline of death.
3. Understanding the implications of these findings can help you decide your next steps for further inquiry.

Explanation:

The autopsy findings you've presented raise several important questions, particularly concerning the circumstances around the death. The combination of rib fractures (often seen with CPR), blood in the lungs, and undetermined cause suggests potentially unusual circumstances that merit further examination. The presence of Narcan is also intriguing, as it is used to counteract opioid overdoses, and its postmortem administration complicates the timeline.

The detection of myocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis in the heart might hint at some chronic stress on the heart, but without a clear diagnosis, these findings remain ambiguous. The varying time of death and the lack of clarity in toxicology screening further compound the unresolved nature of this case.

Next Steps:

1. Request a Consultation with a Forensic Expert: Engaging a forensic pathologist or an independent medical examiner may provide insights that could clarify the autopsy findings. They can give you a more specific interpretation of the pathology tests and other discrepancies.

2. Seek Legal Counsel: Given the potential for foul play and the inconsistencies in the reports, consulting a lawyer who specializes in wrongful death cases could help you understand your rights and options for further investigation.

3. Inquire About Additional Testing: You can advocate for more specific toxicology tests to be conducted, focusing on substances that might have impacted his health or contributed to the circumstances of his death, such as common poisons or insulin.

4. Examine the Coroner’s Office Procedures: Understanding the protocols the coroner’s office follows may help you determine why there were delays and discrepancies. Requesting a meeting to discuss your concerns may provide transparency about the investigation process.

5. Gather Support: Reach out to others who may have experienced similar losses. Support groups can offer not only emotional help but also practical suggestions based on their experiences.

Please take care of yourself during this difficult time. You are hoping to get answers and clarity—you deserve them. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.