A 78-year-old woman, Brenda Hill, tragically choked to death on a Cornish pasty during a lunch outing with her husband in Cornwall. Despite the swift actions of cafe staff and emergency services, efforts to save her were unsuccessful. The incident occurred on May 15th, leading to an inquest into her death.
Key Takeaways
- Brenda Hill, 78, died after choking on a Cornish pasty.
- The incident took place at a cafe in Trerulefoot, Cornwall.
- She had a history of swallowing issues following a stroke.
- Cafe staff attempted to help, including CPR, before paramedics arrived.
- The coroner ruled the death accidental, praising the staff’s efforts.
A Change of Order
Brenda Hill and her husband, Bob, were enjoying lunch at a cafe in Trerulefoot, Cornwall. Initially, Brenda had ordered vegetable soup due to pre-existing swallowing difficulties stemming from a stroke. However, when informed the soup was not ready, she opted for a meat pasty instead.
Desperate Rescue Attempts
Tragically, Brenda began to choke on the pasty shortly after starting her meal. A staff member, trained in first aid, immediately rushed to her aid. While unable to perform the Heimlich maneuver effectively due to positioning, the staff member administered back slaps and then CPR until paramedics arrived. The attending paramedics and the coroner later commended the staff member’s brave and prompt actions.
Accidental Death Ruling
An inquest into Brenda Hill’s death was held in Truro. Assistant Coroner Guy Davies heard that Brenda had been warned the pasty was hot. She managed to dislodge some of the food but choked again, eventually becoming unresponsive on the floor. The coroner noted that Brenda had several underlying medical conditions that contributed to the choking incident. He concluded that her death was accidental and acknowledged the heroic efforts of the cafe worker who tried to save her life.
Tributes and Thanks
Brenda Hill, originally from Plymouth, Devon, was remembered by her family as a loving wife of 45 years, mother, and sister. Her family expressed their grief and thanked the staff at the cafe, as well as the Devon and Cornwall Police and ambulance crews, for their tireless efforts and care during the tragic event.