Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Leonard Connell
Ref: 2026-0373
Date: 4 May 2026
Coroner: Leslie Hamilton
Area: Durham and Darlington
0 responses identified · 1 indexed addressee
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Response deadline: 29 June 2026 (stated in the report).
Date
4 May 2026
56-day deadline
29 Jun 2026
stated in the report
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
Although in his case I found that the “long lie” (due to him not being connected to the Lifeline service) did not contribute to his death, I have concerns that other clients may experience problems with connection to the service (as the problem could not be explained in his case) and so suffer a “long...
View full coroner's concerns
Although in his case I found that the “long lie” (due to him not being connected to the Lifeline service) did not contribute to his death, I have concerns that other clients may experience problems with connection to the service (as the problem could not be explained in his case) and so suffer a “long lie” (which usually results in muscle damage leading to release of compounds into the blood stream which in turn leads to acute kidney injury and increased risk of mortality) which may contribute to their death. There had been a previous incident on 28th October 2025, where Lifeline were aware of a fault with his equipment but failed to act upon it – this was a ‘missed opportunity’.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 18 February 2026, I commenced an investigation into the death of Leonard Stuart CONNELL aged 86 years.
The medical cause of death was: 1a Multi Organ Failure 1b Intra-abdominal Sepsis
Resultant from Traumatic Perforated Diverticulum 2 Fracture Neck of Femur, Pathological Spinal Fracture, Frailty of Old Age, Chronic Kidney Disease.
How, when and where: He was an 86 year old man who died on 11 January 2026 at Darlington Memorial Hospital. He had a history of ankylosing spondylitis (2016), type 2 diabetes (on insulin) and significantly impaired left ventricular function, midnight on the 2nd January, he fell down the stairs at home and was found about 5am the next morning. On admission he had evidence of a “long lie”. CT scan showed pathological fractures to spine (L1 to 4) on the background of ankylosing spondylosis, a fractured neck of femur, right posterior rib fractures and evidence of perforated diverticular disease.
After an MDT discussion, it was felt he was not fit for surgery and he was managed with end of life care.
Conclusion: Accident
The medical cause of death was: 1a Multi Organ Failure 1b Intra-abdominal Sepsis
Resultant from Traumatic Perforated Diverticulum 2 Fracture Neck of Femur, Pathological Spinal Fracture, Frailty of Old Age, Chronic Kidney Disease.
How, when and where: He was an 86 year old man who died on 11 January 2026 at Darlington Memorial Hospital. He had a history of ankylosing spondylitis (2016), type 2 diabetes (on insulin) and significantly impaired left ventricular function, midnight on the 2nd January, he fell down the stairs at home and was found about 5am the next morning. On admission he had evidence of a “long lie”. CT scan showed pathological fractures to spine (L1 to 4) on the background of ankylosing spondylosis, a fractured neck of femur, right posterior rib fractures and evidence of perforated diverticular disease.
After an MDT discussion, it was felt he was not fit for surgery and he was managed with end of life care.
Conclusion: Accident
Circumstances of the death
[Please explain the relevant circumstances of the individual’s death, ideally this should be in no more than 500 words] See above
Action should be taken
In my opinion, unless action is taken to address the above concerns then there is a significant risk of future deaths and I believe each of you have the power to take such action.
Copies sent to
I can confirm I have sent the report to1. Darlington Borough Council (Lifeline Service)
Similar PFD reports
Report details
- Reference
- 2026-0373
- Date of report
- 4 May 2026
- Coroner
- Leslie Hamilton
- Coroner area
- Durham and Darlington
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 29 Jun 2026 (stated in the report).
Sent to
- Darlington Borough Council