Inquest into sepsis death of footballer begins

An inquest has opened into the death of an amateur footballer who died in hospital from a bacterial infection and a flesh-eating disease.

Luke Abrahams, from East Hunsbury, Northampton, died on 23 January 2023 of sepsis and necrotising fasciitis.

His parents, Richard Abrahams and Julie Needham, believe errors in his care - including an initial misdiagnosis - may have contributed to his death.

The inquest, being heard by assistant coroner Sophie Lomas at The Guildhall in Northampton, is expected to last three days.

The 20-year-old was initially diagnosed with tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics, however his condition deteriorated and he became immobile with severe leg pain.

In the early hours of 20 January, he had a video consultation with an out-of-hours doctor, who diagnosed sciatica.

However, 12 hours later his family called for an ambulance, but despite a high temperature and blood sugar levels, the crew decided he did not need to go to hospital.

Two days later, he was admitted to hospital - and died the next day.

The inquest heard from Susan Jevons, head of patient safety and coroner services for East Midlands Ambulance Service, who said: "If you look at Luke's presentation, it was not normal. Blood sugar and pain score warranted a transfer to hospital."

Ms Jevons reiterated: "He was an unwell man".

She added: "He'd been treated and it wasn't working. Leaving him at home wasn't going to get the treatment he required."

The inquest heard a paramedic involved was supervised for some time after the incident and had since left the ambulance service.

It also heard from Dr Olalowo Olaitan, who gave evidence via video link from Canada.

On 20 January 2023, he was working as an out-of-hours GP based at Northampton General Hospital and the case was passed to him via 111 in the early hours of the morning.

Dr Olaitan said he advised that Abrahams should follow up with a GP for a full examination the next day.

He did not consider the patient's pain and lack of movement as a red flag, as "he had not taken any analgesia" at that time, the inquest heard.

A minute's silence was held before the inquest began for friends and family to pay their respects.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the inquest, his parents Richard Abrahams and Julie Needham, said: "He just got on with everyone, he had a second for everyone.

"He used to go out at 11 at night because his friend needed a chat. He would make time for everyone - just bringing everyone together. That was Luke."

The inquest continues.

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