A Welsh man killed himself in a freak accident in June 2023 after eating a frozen burger, a medical examiner heard in court on Monday.
The body of Barry Griffiths (57 years old) Found On July 4, 2023, he was found bloody in his bed at his assisted living apartment and had not been seen for over a week. Western Telegraph Reported.
According to local newspapers, he had been living in accommodation at Christchurch Court after suffering a stroke which left him with limited movement in one arm.
An autopsy revealed that Griffiths died from a stab wound to the abdomen, but it took more than a year for investigators to conclude that no one else was involved in the incident.
According to the outlet, coroner Patricia Morgan ruled that Ms Griffiths “probably died as a result of an accident whilst preparing frozen food for cooking”.
There were no signs of a break-in or other presence in the man's first-floor apartment, and his cell phone, wallet and computer were left there.
“In my opinion the injuries were the result of an accident involving only Mr Griffiths. The bottom freezer drawer had been left open and pulled towards you to allow access to food,” Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees said.
“On a work bench in the kitchen next to the fridge were two uncooked burgers, a knife and a tea towel,” the lead investigator explained. “The wound on the abdomen was approximately at bench height. My hypothesis at that point was that Mr Griffiths had been using the knife to attempt to cut the frozen burgers apart.”
A search of the man's electronic devices found no evidence of self-harm or searches that would suggest he wanted to die or that he was about to die.
Addressing Griffiths' family, Morgan said he “understands that listening to testimony can be difficult and traumatic.”
“We thank you for your patience as our investigation continues and offer our condolences during this difficult time,” Morgan concluded.
