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Citation |
Wentworth P, Croal AE, Jentz LA, Eshghabadi M, Pluck G. J. Can. Soc. Forensic Sci. 1993; 26(1): 1-17. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 1993, Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
Fifty-seven fresh water related deaths in Brant County between 1969-1992 were investigated and autopsied. There were thirty-nine male (68%) and eighteen females. Forty- seven (83%) were under age thirty-nine. Forty-eight (84%) deaths were classified as accidental, six suicidal, two homicidal and one infanticide. In two accident cases there were strong suspicions of foul play. Eight deaths, all females, occurred in bathrooms, six in home bathtubs, one in a hotel hot tub and one in a toilet bowl. The particular medicolegal problems of bathtub deaths are discussed in some detail. The postmortem interval varied from two hours to nine months. Identification was difficult in six cases. Blood ethanol was measured in thirty-eight (67%) cases and the dangerous combination of alcohol and water-related activity is discussed. The cause of death was drowning in forty-eight (84%) cases, hypothermia in three, fractured skull and lacerated brain in one, strangulation in one and electrocution in one. Difficulties with the diagnosis of drowning are discussed. Close co-operation among police, pathologists and public health authorities is stressed in order to minimize and adequately investigate this tragic group of deaths. |