Gosport baby died after rolling out of bed, coroner rules

This morning, a hearing was held at Portsmouth Coroners Court into the death of Alexander McCree, who died at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham on April 17 last year.

The youngster, from Birchmore Close in Bridgemary, Gosport had been taking a nap in his parents’ double bed when he fell out, and attempts to resuscitate him by both his mother Sao and paramedics were unsuccessful.

However, a post-mortem was not able to pinpoint the exact cause of his death.

Coroner Jason Pegg said: ‘Mrs McCree was looking after her son while Mr McCree was at work. Alexander went up to bed with his mother and they were there until about 3.30pm.

‘When she woke up she left Alexander in the middle of the bed, with cushions around him and in a duvet.

‘He was breathing, simply having a sleep.’

In her written statement, Mrs McCree explained that went downstairs to do some gardening.

Alexander had regular feeds, playtime and sleep throughout the day, she added.

Being eight months old, the baby had started to become ‘quite mobile’ said the family.

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A post-mortem found nothing that could suggest a cause of death – there was no indication of a skull fracture, brain haemmorhage or other injury that would have led to Alexander’s death.

Mr Pegg said: ‘It’s clear that the McCrees gave appropriate care of Alexander.

‘Mrs McCree came back in the house an hour later and found him on the floor. He had moved from the centre of the bed to the right-hand side and fallen onto the floor.

‘Sadly it was quite evident that her son was not breathing and she did all that she properly could to save him.’

The coroner’s ruling was that of an open conclusion – which means there was insufficient evidence to pinpoint an exact cause of death.

Describing it as a ‘mystery’ he offered his condolences to the family.

He said: ‘It’s desperately sad and I know he is sorely missed. I am sure you have many fond memories that you will treasure.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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