Boy, 6, dies from cardiac arrest linked to vitamin C deficiency, likely caused by scurvy, coroner finds

A six-year-old boy died from cardiac arrest linked to the “sailor’s disease” scurvy, after a hidden vitamin C deficiency triggered a collapse following a routine MRI, a coroner has found.

Connor Dean, who had Down syndrome and complex medical needs, died at Queensland Children’s Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest in July 2024.

In non-inquest findings released last week, Deputy State Coroner Stephanie Gallagher found severe vitamin C deficiency was the key underlying factor in his death.

Connor had long been under specialist care and had already overcome major health challenges, including surgery as a baby to repair a serious heart defect.

But by 2023, concern was growing about his nutrition as his eating became more restricted.

“His diet was said to contain no fruit or vegetables at that time. He had only gained 300g in 11 months (against the normal range of 1.5-2kg),’’ the findings quoted the pediatrician.

The court was told Connor was referred to a dietitian and his family was advised to start him on a multivitamin.

“I told his mother that I was very concerned about Connor’s diet, specifically that it did not contain enough calories or the vitamins and minerals he needed to grow and be healthy,” the pediatrician said.

“I referred Connor to the dietitian and requested his parents commence a multivitamin.’’

“I discussed with Connor’s mother that Connor’s diet was inadequate to meet his vitamin and mineral requirements, but that I believed that we were covering these requirements with the multivitamin, Vitamin D3, Ferroliquid and vitamin A injection.”

“I (also) encouraged Connor’s mother to give Connor one 100 per cent juice popper every day.’’

In July 2024, Connor was taken to hospital after weeks of leg pain and refusing to put weight on his legs.

Doctors were investigating possible causes including infection, injury or cancer.

The scan was completed, but Connor deteriorated in recovery and suffered a cardiac arrest. Although doctors restored circulation after several minutes, he suffered devastating brain injury and died on 10 August 2024.