Gregory Carr, known as Greg, woke up “distressed” in the early hours
Gregory Carr, known as Greg, woke up “distressed” in the early hours
The family of a beloved dad still don’t know why he died. Gregory Carr, known as Greg, felt unwell on May 7 this year and went to bed before waking up “distressed” in the early hours.
Greg, from Atherton in Wigan, became unresponsive before his fiancée attempted CPR and called 999. Paramedics attended the couple’s home but the 33-year-old died on May 8, reports the Manchester Evening News.
A coroner concluded at an inquest on Wednesday, November 6 that Greg’s death was as a result of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). Bolton Coroners’ Court heard there was no explanation as to how or why the dad went into cardiac arrest.
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At the inquest, evidence from his fiancée Rachael Cartwright was heard that Greg was active, didn’t drink to excess, didn’t smoke, played football and went to the gym. He was working towards a promotion as a solicitor at his law firm and spent time with his family.
She added Sundays were always set aside for their young son. The court heard Greg complained of chest pains in the months leading up to his death. He put it down to the stress of being a solicitor.
Assistant coroner Michael Pemberton was told Greg went to bed on May 7 feeling unwell. He woke up distressed at around 6am.
Ms Cartwright told the court: “It was around 6am. I originally thought he was having a panic attack or a nightmare. I was trying to calm him down for a couple of seconds and then I realised there was more to it.
“I told him I was going to ring an ambulance. He didn’t respond to that and that’s when I realised it was serious.” Paramedics were on scene around 13 minutes later. Paramedics took over CPR before Gregg was rushed to Royal Bolton Hospital.
Despite medics’ efforts, he died at 7.26am. Consultant pathologist Dr Patrick Waugh said there were no signs of heart abnormalities and that Gregg appeared fit and healthy. Professor Mary Sheppard, a leading national authority on sudden cardiac death, was consulted, he added. Gregg had a “structurally normal heart” the court heard.
Dr Waugh added: “This is definitely a death that is cardiac in origin.” He told the court the disruption of electrical activity in the heart – a cardiac arrest – leaves no physical trace that can be detected after someone has died.
The court heard Greg’s family are seeking further examination due to concerns he may have had a genetic condition. His loved ones are working with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) in a bid to get the answers they need. His family has also set up a fund with CRY to help raise awareness around sudden cardiac death.
Bolton Lads and Girls Club has also set up an annual nine a side football match in his memory. The inaugural match was played on June 8 at AO Sports Ground in Bolton.
Paying tribute to Greg at the conclusion of the inquest, assistant coroner Pemberton told his family: “It’s clear to me that Greg was a committed partner, a committed father, and a much loved son, and the tragic and unfathomable loss which you have suffered I am sure will remain with you throughout the rest of your lives.
“But it’s important that you remember him as a man and take those good memories forward with you, which won’t replace the loss but I hope will provide some reassurance of what you had. I do hope that you can now make some move forward. I hope it’s provided some answers.”
If you would like to speak to someone about sudden cardiac death you can contact CRY’s support team on 01737 363222 or email cry@c-r-y.org.uk.