The post mortem examination has been completed today, but 4 weeks has been allowed for the results of all tests, principally toxicology. The inquest was opened, and in fact adjourned until 26 October. The Coroner is allowing funeral arrangements to proceed as soon as possible. All this is standard procedure, there being no need in this case for further examination of the body.
I just heard on the news that there is no conclusive reason for her death. Is that a standard comment until all the tests are finished Alan? you know everyone will be waiting and speculating.
What are the main areas that they would be concentrating on? From your vast experience, what route exactly do the pathologists follow in testing parts of the corpse?
If you want your dreams to come true ...... first you have to wake up
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/P...olsupport.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/drugs/pag...treatment.aspx
You're probably right Terpe, whether it's for drugs and / or alcohol addiction. Also inevitably - despite not knowing precisely what killed Amy, there's speculation about the nature of addiction, with evidence both for genetic and environmental factors. Unfortunately as others have pointed out, drug abuse begins - and can end - with free choice. Even countries with harsh laws may still have high levels of abuse - and as Amy's song makes clear, it's hard to enforce ( and pay for ) rehabilitation.
It is standard, Steve. Obviously it's difficult to treat Amy's as a " routine " case with such speculation. But in any situation such as hers the pathologist would start by obtaining a full history from the police / coroner's officer, visiting the scene of death if necessary. If the circumstances were suspicious, one of the 30 or so Home Office pathologists would be involved, but the vast majority of sudden deaths are investigated by general pathologists such as myself. Then would follow full external examination, supported by photography and documentation.
No assumptions would be made - if there is no immediately obvious cause, there is always the chance of a natural cause for death. Every single organ would be dissected and samples taken for microscopy. Where necessary a whole organ ( such as the heart ) might legally be retained to establish a natural disease not obvious grossly.
Very often there might be circumstantial evidence, such as empty containers of sleeping pills, other drugs, or bottles of alcohol. Even so, we have to be absolutely sure there is no natural cause for death. Samples for toxicology are obtained from tissue such as liver and body fluids ( blood, urine, vitreous humour from the eyes ) then sent to an accredited forensic laboratory. Alcohol and certain drug levels are obtainable within 24 hours, but a full drug screen ( often needed ) takes much longer.
You can imagine that - supposing toxicology was entirely negative several weeks later - there are problems if no natural cause has been found and the body has been cremated. Depending on circumstances, however, it's routine for the Coroner to open the inquest and immediately adjourn it pending further investigations. ( The system is different elsewhere, like Scotland ).
Thanks Alan, very interesting, I can see why you enjoyed (not really the right term) your work. Piecing all the clues together to form a conclusion. Real detective work.
If you want your dreams to come true ...... first you have to wake up
i read somewhere that its a third of our population including those that do and those that have tried drugs
Post mortems can be extremely upsetting for friends and relations though....especially when the cause of death (as in road accident) is pretty obvious.
It is horrible to see a line of large untidy stitches right up the front of someone you love.
I'm talking from personal experience, and I'm sorry but no amount of explanations will ever make me feel any different.
all her song seems a lot to say about her (Frank,Tears dry on their Own,Back to Black,Rehab, Do me Good, LOve is a losing game ) and my only favorite of them all is this one ''I'm NO Good''..rest in peace AMy
''Don't be serious..Be Sincere''
She was such a great singer, love all her songs!
But no matter how many times she went to rehab it all didnt work. Shes the only one who could treat and cure herself but obviously she didnt want it.
I dont understand how people find alcohol could relieve their stress and problems when the next morning they wake up the problem is still there...
Ive been to smoking and drinking but it never got me anywhere. So i've learned to face whatever the problem is, and it makes me feel better and wake up in the morning with a nice hangover! celebrated! (only kidding!)
I'm a cruel and heartless bitch but I’m damn good at it!
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