Queensland Coroner Says Severe Vitamin C Deficiency Likely Caused Boy's Fatal Cardiac Arrest

A Queensland coroner’s report determined that scurvy, resulting from a severe vitamin C deficiency, was the most probable underlying cause of six-year-old Connor Dean’s death. Dean, who had Down syndrome and a history of heart surgery, suffered cardiac arrest after a general-anaesthetic scan at Queensland Children’s Hospital on August 10, 2024, leading to fatal brain injury. Deputy Coroner Stephanie Gallagher cited hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy linked to the deficiency, while noting Down syndrome as a contributing factor.

The boy’s parents were unaware of the deficiency; his paediatrician had long voiced concerns about his growth and nutrition, questioning the adequacy of his multivitamin supplement. The manufacturer responded that multivitamins are not intended to treat severe deficiencies. The coroner extended condolences to the family.