Coroner to examine footballer's infection death

A coroner has agreed to call an inquest into the death of an amateur footballer who suffered a bacterial infection and a flesh-eating disease.

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

His family previously said it believed there were errors in his care and that his condition was wrongly diagnosed initially.

Mr Abrahams' mother Julie Needham said: "We have wanted an inquest to be held so that a full review can be undertaken into how he died and the reasons why and so that lessons can be learned."

Mr Abrahams was initially diagnosed by his GP as having tonsillitis and then sciatica, as he developed pains in his leg over the following week.

On 22 January, he was taken to hospital where the full extent of the condition was finally discovered.

He had his leg amputated in an effort to save his life, but later died.

Mr Abrahams' death was recorded at the time as being of "natural causes" and an inquest was not held.

A serious incident investigation at the East Midlands Ambulance Service Trust since found that the crew failed to follow guidelines and policies, concluding that Mr Abrahams had displayed symptoms which should have been recorded as a red score - indicating an immediately life-threatening condition.

The investigation also described the failure to take Mr Abrahams to hospital as a "missed opportunity" to seek extra medical help which could have prevented "deterioration".

Senior coroner for Northamptonshire Anne Pember decided she would open an inquest after receiving a letter from the Abrahams family.

Ms Needham said she wanted "accountability" for what happened and added: "We are grateful to the coroner for looking at this again."

A date for the inquest in 2025 is yet to be set.

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