Rabies death inquest delayed due to Gulf turmoil
FacebookAn inquest into the death of a woman who died after contracting rabies on holiday has been delayed because of the ongoing turmoil in the Gulf region.
Yvonne Ford, from Barnsley, died following an incident in which she was scratched by a puppy during a trip to Morocco.
Her inquest opened earlier in Sheffield, but a hospital consultant called as a key witness informed the court he was stuck in Bali.
Assistant coroner Marilyn Whittle said the doctor may still be able to travel to the UK via a different route, but if not the hearing may have to be adjourned.
A jury was selected and Whittle said she was hopeful the witness would arrive and be able to give evidence by Wednesday.
The inquest will resume on Tuesday morning, when the coroner will decide whether it can go ahead or have to be relisted, depending on the travel progress made by the witness.
Ms Whittle said: "Fingers crossed they are on that flight and can get back."
Yvonne Ford's family have said she only became ill two weeks before she died on June 11 2025, aged 59.
They said she was scratched by the puppy in February.
She was diagnosed with rabies at Barnsley Hospital and transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, where she died.
She is survived by her husband Ronald and two children, Adam and Robyn.
In the past 25 years there have been seven cases of UK nationals contracting rabies abroad. All of them died.
The inquest, at Sheffield's Medico-Legal Centre, was due to last from Monday until Thursday.
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