Six-year-old boy died from scurvy despite long-term concerns over diet, Queensland coroner finds

Coroner says death likely triggered by vitamin C deficiency and so‑called “sailor’s disease” common in convict era

A six-year-old boy died from scurvy, the so‑called “sailor’s disease” common in the convict era, a coroner has found.

Brisbane boy Connor Dean died after a cardiac arrest under general anaesthetic at Queensland children’s hospital in 2024.

Deputy state coroner Stephanie Gallagher released her findings last month, ruling his fatal brain damage was most likely triggered by vitamin C deficiency and scurvy.

“Although the precise mechanism leading to the cardiac arrest could not be definitively determined, the treating clinicians and forensic pathologist considered vitamin C deficiency to be the most likely underlying factor,” she determined.

Issues with an unnamed multivitamin were also canvassed in the inquest.

Scurvy was once common among sailors and convicts who went without fresh fruit and vegetables on long sea voyages.

However, it is now so rare in Australia that serious cases are almost always found and treated.

Connor had Down syndrome, was born with a serious heart defect that was repaired in 2018, and had delayed development, speaking mostly in single words and walking with a wide‑based gait.

In July 2024, he went to his GP, with his parents reporting he had knee pain and was limping.

He was admitted to Queensland Children’s Hospital on 18 July, with X‑rays and MRIs failing to show a clear cause.

He then developed a bad cough and tested positive for parainfluenza as his oxygen levels and kidney function worsened.

He suffered a cardiac arrest after being given general anaesthetic and died on August 10.

Scans of his skeleton later showed bone changes “in keeping with scurvy”.