Mother, aged 54, discovered alive in morgue after being declared dead post-seizure while preparing toast

Olive Martin, aged 54, was mistakenly sent to a mortuary after collapsing in her kitchen in Darlington, Yorkshire, on October 13, 2023, following a seizure while making toast. Authorities initially thought she had passed away.

Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield informed Crook Coroners Court on December 2 that Martin eventually died from brain damage, but it was some time later after she was taken to the mortuary. Her lawyer highlighted a critical period of two hours during which no medical care was provided, raising questions about whether timely treatment might have altered the outcome.

The attorney asked the court, What should that treatment have looked like? and questioned whether her death could have been avoided or delayed. The exact duration of oxygen deprivation Martin experienced remains unclear, but details suggest her collapse occurred while she was preparing to go to work, immediately after putting toast in the toaster.

Representatives from the North East Ambulance Service confirmed that staff observed signs of life when Martin was in the mortuary, including responses to verbal and physical stimuli. Questions were raised about what might have happened had she been taken directly to an emergency department.

The next hearing regarding the case is scheduled for January 30. Meanwhile, the North East Ambulance Service stated that they are reviewing the incident and coordinating with the coroner. Their statement expressed condolences to Martins family and confirmed that no further public comment would be made until the review is complete.

Martins family paid tribute to her, describing her as a kind-hearted and positive person who will be deeply missed, and requested privacy during this difficult time. Durham Constabulary previously confirmed that no criminal charges would be filed in connection with the incident.

Author: Aiden Foster