Investigation and inquest
On 8th April 2022 I commenced an Investigation into the death of Daniel Graeme Futers, who was born on 13th June 1990 and who died at the Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland on 5th April 2022 aged 31 years. The Investigation concluded at the end of a 3-day Inquest on 1st February 2023.
The conclusion of the Inquest was:
‘Daniel Graeme Futers took his own life, in part because the complexity of his condition was not fully appreciated, and appropriate precautions were not in place to prevent him from doing so.’
The medical cause of death was: -
Ia Multiple Injuries
Ib Fall From a Height
II Schizoaffective disorder
Circumstances of the death
Daniel Graeme Futers died on 5th April 2022 at the Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland ████████, and fell to his death. There had been a number of failings in his Mental Health Care and treatment and in particular the management of his leave from Hopewood Park and his prospective discharge from state detention.
Coroner’s concerns
1. The recording of information, particularly that conveyed by telephone, was not as comprehensive as it ought to have been. For example, a record of an alteration had not been made.
2. Comprehensive planning for home leave and discharge from hospital was not evident, including contingency planning and the involvement of the family.
3. Overall situational awareness about Daniel was not evident, including the reconciliation of conflicting accounts about him.