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Woman Revives in Mortuary After Misdiagnosed Death

12/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Olive Martin, 54, was mistakenly declared dead after a seizure on October 13, 2023, and woke in a mortuary.
She received no treatment for two hours before being transferred to Darlington Hospital Mortuary.
Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield said brain damage ultimately caused her death.
The inquest was adjourned until January 30, 2026.
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has launched a full investigation and expressed regret.

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Story summary

Olive Martin, 54, was mistakenly declared dead after a seizure on October 13, 2023, and woke in a mortuary.
She received no treatment for two hours before being transferred to Darlington Hospital Mortuary.
Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield said brain damage ultimately caused her death.
The inquest was adjourned until January 30, 2026.
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has launched a full investigation and expressed regret.