Six-year-old boy dies from scurvy despite documented dietary concerns, Queensland coroner finds
Source Summary
A six-year-old Brisbane boy, Connor Dean, died from scurvy caused by vitamin C deficiency in 2024 while undergoing general anaesthesia at Queensland Children's Hospital. A coroner has determined the death was triggered by the condition, historically known as 'sailor's disease' from the convict era. The case involved long-term concerns about the child's diet prior to his death.
Why it matters
The case highlights the continued risk of severe nutritional deficiency diseases in modern healthcare settings and raises questions about dietary monitoring in vulnerable children.
