An inquest has been launched into the tragic death of Isaac Mansfield, a 10-year-old disabled boy from Stratford, after a hospital urine test revealed he had been exposed to cocaine.

The initial cause of death in September 2023 was attributed to organ failure from a pre-existing metabolic condition. However, a routine review by Isaac’s GP uncovered a positive toxicology report, prompting a full-scale investigation into how the vulnerable child came into contact with the Class A drug.

Coroner Opens Inquest After Missed Toxicology Alert

Senior East London Coroner Graeme Irvine is now leading the inquest into Isaac’s death. At a pre-inquest hearing at East London Coroner’s Court on Monday, May 12, he confirmed that the cremation of Isaac’s body took place before the cocaine finding was known.

I have to work on the basis that somebody must have done something to expose Isaac to cocaine,” said Mr Irvine.

The Metropolitan Police previously conducted an investigation but found no sufficient evidence to press charges. Detective Sergeant Jasmine Abbey told the court, “We don’t know how it was administered or if it was by a third party or inadvertently.

Cocaine Detected Too Late

Isaac, who lived at Mirabelle Gardens, fell ill at John F Kennedy Special School on September 6, 2023, and was taken to Newham Hospital, then transferred to St Mary’s Hospital’s paediatric ICU in west London, where he died on September 10.

Initially, doctors suspected a rare metabolic disorder. But after reviewing records, a hospital toxicology report revealed the presence of cocaine, leading pathologist Dr Andreas Marnerides to conclude it was the likely trigger of fatal complications.

Family and Carers Under Review

The court will now examine the 36 hours prior to Isaac’s death, focusing on anyone who had unsupervised access to him, including:

• His father
• Carers
• Staff at John F Kennedy School

Mr Irvine criticised the “paucity of contact” from Isaac’s father, who did not attend the hearing and may face a court-issued warrant if he fails to appear at the next session.

Hospital and Ambulance Oversight Questioned

The inquest will also scrutinize St Mary’s Hospital and the London Ambulance Service. A safeguarding concern was raised about Isaac’s father’s reluctance to allow hospitalisation, which seemingly was not shared with ICU staff.

Adding complexity, the court heard that a relative of Isaac may hold a senior role within the paediatric ICU at St Mary’s, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest or treatment decisions.

What Happens Next?

The final inquest hearing was originally scheduled for June 12, 2025, but has now been postponed to allow for further disclosure of evidence and witness statements.