‘Treasure’ who beat odds died of infections

Ann-Marie Johnson had already defied doctors by living to the age of three when she contracted the viruses.

She died from pneumonia and pericarditis, a swelling of the covering of the heart, which were complicated by Down’s syndrome and a heart defect, conditions she had suffered since birth.

Hull Coroner’s Court heard her parents, Mark and Margaret, were woken by Ann-Marie coughing at about 2am on Sunday March 13, and they took her downstairs to make her comfortable and give her a drink of water.

But she became “floppy” and unresponsive and Mr Johnson tried to resuscitate her until paramedics arrived. Efforts to revive her continued in the ambulance and at hospital, but eventually staff at Hull Royal Infirmary decided she could not be saved.

Mr Johnson, a father-of-four of Alma Street, Withernsea, was too upset to give evidence and instead his statement was read to the court. It said: “One of the doctors came to see us and told us there was nothing further that could be done for Ann-Marie. A point had been reached where attempts to revive her had to be stopped. I knew Ann-Marie had short life expectancy but I was devastated that she had died.

“Margaret and I spent a few minutes with Ann-Marie in ‘re-sus’ but to all intents and purposes that was no longer our happy little daughter.”

He said Ann-Marie had been a “real treasure and passed all expectations”.

Coroner Geoffrey Saul said: “The conclusion I am going to record is that Ann-Marie Johnson died of natural causes.”

He added: “I know these are awful occasions Mr Johnson, but thank you for your contribution and I do offer my condolences, and to your wife who is not here today, for this very sad loss.”