Investigation and inquest
On 23 November 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of JAKUB DAWID MOCZYK, AGE 22 YEARS. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 13 OCTOBER 2017. The conclusion of the inquest was Medical Cause of Death: 1a) Traumatic Brain Injury; and Conclusion: MISADVENTURE.
Circumstances of the death
Mr Moczyk was taking part in a boxing match at The Atlantis Arena on 19 November 2016. In round 3, he received a blow to the head and fell to the ground. Mr Moczyk was unresponsive and was taken to the James Paget University Hospital. He did not regain consciousness and died from his injuries on 21 November 2016.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Not all boxers were fully checked prior to the fight taking place, including the deceased’s opponent (aged 17 years). The medics did not notice he had not been fully examined.
(2) The medics did not make the referee/promoter aware that not all the boxers had returned to complete their medical examination before the boxing had started.
(3) During the 2nd round the deceased’s opponent gagged/vomited on 2 occasions. The referee stopped the fight and counted to 8 on both occasions. The medics did not examine the boxer and advise as to his fitness to continue fighting, but relied on the referee to make the decision as to whether the fight should continue. It was known by the medics that the referee was not medically qualified. The medics were aware the referee was also the opponent’s own trainer. It was said in response to questioning in this respect, that the referee could be expected to know the boxer and whether he was fit to continue fighting. No account was taken that the referee/trainer may prefer the boxer to continue fighting rather than to stop the fight.