Coroner's Finding: Reed, Ian William McDonald

MAGISTRATES COURT of TASMANIA

CORONIAL DIVISION Record of Investigation into Death (Without Inquest) Coroners Act 1995 Coroners Rules 2006 Rule 11 I, Simon Cooper, Coroner, having investigated the death of Ian William McDonald Reed Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that a) The identity of the deceased is Ian William McDonald Reed; b) Mr Reed died as a consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome following coronavirus vaccination (AstraZeneca, first dose); c) The cause of Mr Reed’s death was an intracerebral haemorrhage due to vaccine induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT); and d) Mr Reed died, aged 44 years on 16 July 2021 at the Royal Hobart Hospital Hobart, Tasmania.

In making the above findings I have had regard to the evidence gained in the comprehensive investigation into Mr Reed’s death. The evidence includes:  Tasmanian Health Service – Death Report to Coroner  Police Report of Death for the Coroner;  Affidavits establishing identity and life extinct  Report – Dr Andrew Reid, Forensic Pathologist;  Report – Forensic Science Service Tasmania; and  Medical Records – the Lindisfarne Clinic.

Mr Reed had a four-day history of headache approximately two weeks after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccination. He collapsed suddenly whilst on holiday on Tasmania’s East Coast with his family on 13 July 2021. He was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital by helicopter where investigations identified he had sustained an intracerebral haemorrhage. Further investigations showed he had abnormal blood clotting and appearances consistent with

VIPIT.

Despite neurosurgical intervention, Mr Reed did not recover and died on 16 July 2021.

Several of his organs were donated pursuant to the Human Tissue Act 1985.

VIPIT is a rare but recognised complication of the AstraZeneca vaccination. It is in fact a complication of the immunological response to vaccination.

Mr Reed’s death was reportable under the Coroners Act 1995 because it was causally related to a medical procedure, i.e. the vaccination.

His death was carefully investigated. Dr Andrew Reid, an experienced Forensic Pathologist conducted a full autopsy on Mr Reed’s body and provided a report. In that report he expressed the opinion that Mr Reed’s death was the result of the AstraZeneca Covid 19 vaccination he had received. Dr Reid organised for histological testing of samples taken from Mr Reed’s body to be performed. The result of that testing was peer-reviewed by specialist Anatomical Pathologists Doctors Eileen Long and John McArdle as well as two Senior Forensic Pathologists Dr Christopher Lawrence and Dr Donald Ritchey. All confirmed Dr Reid’s opinion.

Conclusion I am satisfied on the evidence to the requisite legal degree that Mr Reed died as a result of an adverse reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine for Covid 19.

Comments and Recommendations Mr Reed’s partner raised a number of issues as to the adequacy of information available relating to risks and side effects of the vaccine her husband received.

I am satisfied that at the relevant time there was sufficient information available as to the potential side effects associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. As such I do not consider that the circumstances of Mr Reed’s death require me to make any comments or recommendations pursuant to Section 28 of the Coroners Act 1995.

I convey my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Reed.

Dated: 3 February 2022 at Hobart in the State of Tasmania.

Simon Cooper Coroner