Family still doesn't know why 'fit and healthy' 33-year-old father died suddenly

Gregory Carr, known as Greg, woke up feeling “distressed” in the early hours of the morning

08:39, 07 November 2024Updated: 08:40, 07 November 2024

Gregory Carr, known as Greg, died suddenly at the age of 33(Picture: Cardiac Risk in Young People)

The much-loved father’s family still doesn’t know why he died. Gregory Carr, known as Greg, felt unwell on May 7 this year and went to bed before waking up “distressed” in the early hours.

Greg from Atherton WiganHe became unresponsive before his fiancee attempted CPR and called 999. Paramedics went to the couple’s home, but the 33-year-old man died on May 8. Manchester Evening News.

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The coroner concluded at the inquest on Wednesday, November 6, that Greg’s death was the result of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). Bolton Coroner’s Court heard there was no explanation as to how or why the father had a heart attack.

The inquest heard Greg was active, did not drink excessively, did not smoke, played football and went to the gym, according to evidence from his fiancée Rachael Cartwright. He was working towards a promotion as an attorney at the law firm and was spending time with his family.

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He added that Sundays were always reserved for his younger sons. The court heard Greg complained of chest pains in the months leading up to his death. He attributed this to the stress of being a lawyer.

Deputy coroner Michael Pemberton was told Greg went to bed feeling unwell on May 7. He woke up around 6 a.m. feeling distressed.

Miss Cartwright told the court: “It was around 6am. I initially thought he was having a panic attack or a nightmare. “I was trying to calm him down for a few seconds but then I realized there was more going on.

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“I told him I was going to call the ambulance. He didn’t answer and that’s when I realized it was serious.” Medical teams arrived at the scene approximately 13 minutes later. Paramedics took over CPR before Gregg was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at 7.26 am. Consultant pathologist Dr Patrick Waugh said there was no sign of any abnormality in the heart and Gregg appeared fit and healthy. He added that Professor Mary Sheppard, one of the leading national authorities on sudden cardiac death, had been consulted. According to the court, Gregg had a “structurally normal heart.”

Gregory Carr, known as Greg, died suddenly at the age of 33(Picture: Cardiac Risk in Young People)

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Dr Waugh added: “This is clearly a heart-related death.” He told the court that disruption of electrical activity in the heart (cardiac arrest) leaves no physical traces that can be detected after someone dies.

The court heard Greg’s family wanted further examination due to concerns he may have a genetic condition. Their loved ones are working with the charity Cardiac Risk in Young People (CRY) to get the answers they need. His family also founded fund Together with CRY to help raise awareness about sudden cardiac death.

Bolton Lads and Girls Club also organizes an annual nine-a-side football match in his memory. The opening match was played at the AO Sports Ground in Bolton on 8 June.

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Paying tribute to Greg at the end of the inquest, deputy coroner Pemberton told his family: “It is clear to me that Greg was a dedicated partner, a devoted father and a much-loved son, and the tragic and incomprehensible loss you have suffered will last the rest of his life.” I’m sure he will be there for you.

“But it’s important that you remember him as a man and carry those good memories with you; it won’t replace your loss but hopefully it will provide some reassurance of what you had. I hope you can make some progress now. I hope some answers have been provided.”

If you would like to talk to someone about sudden cardiac death you can contact CRY’s support team on 01737 363222 or email [email protected].

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