A 54-year-old mother, mistakenly declared dead by paramedics at her home, later awoke in a hospital mortuary, a coroner's court has heard.
A Tragic Sequence of Errors
Olive Martin suffered a seizure and collapsed while making toast at her home in Darlington on October 13. Emergency services attended the scene, but instead of being rushed to an Accident & Emergency department, she was taken directly to the Darlington Hospital Mortuary.
Staff at the morgue were horrified to discover that Olive was still alive upon her arrival. Despite this shocking discovery, she tragically died from brain damage a short time later, the inquest at Crook Coroner’s Court was told.
Family's Anguish and Unanswered Questions
Olive's family paid a moving tribute to her, describing her as their "warrior" with a kind heart and infectious personality. Their lawyer, Tom Barclay Semple, revealed to the hearing that Olive went two hours without receiving any medical treatment.
He posed a critical question: would the outcome have been different if she had been taken straight to hospital for urgent care? The coroner, Jeremy Chipperfield, stated he could not determine how long Olive had been starved of oxygen at home.
Mr Semple suggested timelines could be estimated from the fact toast was in the toaster on a morning she was due to work, and from her recorded body temperature.
Investigation and Official Responses
Representatives at the inquest confirmed there were signs of life at the mortuary. John Gray, for Durham Constabulary, cited evidence of "brain function" and Olive responding to stimuli. James Donnelly, for the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), also acknowledged "some signs of life".
Durham Constabulary investigated but confirmed no criminal charges would be brought. Andrew Hodge, Director of Paramedicine at NEAS, expressed deep sorrow to the family and confirmed a full review is underway, with staff involved being supported.
The inquest has been adjourned and will resume on January 30, 2026.
