Cocaine found in urine of 10-year-old boy who died after falling ill, inquest told

Isaac Mansfield died four days after falling ill at John F Kennedy Special School in Stratford, east London, after traces of cocaine were found in his system

A 10-year-old boy tragically died after consuming cocaine at school, an inquest has revealed.

Isaac Mansfield became unwell at John F Kennedy Special School in Stratford, east London, and was swiftly taken to Newham Hospital. The young boy was later moved to St Mary’s paediatric intensive care unit in west London, but sadly passed away four days later on 6 September 2023, as heard by East London’s Coroner’s Court.

His death was initially attributed to natural causes related to a chronic metabolic disorder he was being treated for. A certificate was issued, a funeral conducted, and the case seemed concluded – until a routine toxicology report detected traces of cocaine in Isaac’s urine.

This unexpected finding prompted an inquest into the disabled young boy’s death.

Coroner Graeme Irvine referred to the circumstances as “rather unusual,” praising the “sharp eyes of Isaac’s GP” for noticing the toxicology result.

The GP’s keen observation led to a referral to Westminster Coroner, followed by a transfer to East London’s jurisdiction, reports the Mirror.

Consultant paediatric pathologist Dr Andreas Marnerides informed the inquest that, based on the balance of probabilities, Isaac’s underlying condition provided a natural explanation for his demise. However, he noted that the potential impact of cocaine exposure couldn’t be dismissed.

He elaborated that the drug can trigger rhabdomyolysis – a hazardous breakdown of skeletal muscle which releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream. “It is reasonable to take the view that it most likely contributed to rhabdomyolysis developing,” he stated.

Isaac’s father, Andrew Montlake, questioned the expert about the frequency of cocaine users developing rhabdomyolysis. Coroner Irvine deemed the query “incredibly speculative,” reminding him that an inquest isn’t a trial.

Montlake retorted: “If you’re going to shut us up, you’re going to shut us up.”

The court also received testimony from staff at Isaac’s school. Nurse Funmiola Jackson depicted him as lethargic, occasionally semi-conscious, and “very hot to the touch” with a temperature of 40.6C.

She observed that he seemed to be experiencing stomach spasms and appeared “very, very tired.”

Jackson also relayed to the inquest that Montlake had urged her not to summon an ambulance as Isaac would encounter “unfamiliar faces at the hospital.”

Carer Philomena Adu-Boahen remembered Isaac being “a bit unsettled” that morning, whilst paramedic Laura Barry described how he had been sick, weeping throughout the day and displaying symptoms of dystonia. She verified his temperature reached 40.6C.

Barry noted that Montlake was reluctant about hospital treatment, and conceded this sparked “safeguarding concerns,” though she recognised the challenges of caring for a child with serious vulnerabilities and chronic health conditions.

Montlake challenged why his son had been transported to Newham Hospital instead of the Royal London, which he characterised as a more recognisable setting. He urged the coroner to examine whether that contributed to Isaac’s death.

The inquest continues.

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