HEART FAILURE

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 September 1927, Page 6

HEART FAILURE

SUDDEN DEATH AT COBDEN.

An inquest into the sudden death of Mr John Andrew O’Hara of Cobden, which occurred on Saturday, was opened this morning before Mr W. Meldrum, Coroner. Joseph Bushfield Shrives, stated he was a brother-in-law of deceased, who was a bridge carpenter in the Railway employ, and was 39 years of age. He had recently complained of feeling unwell, attributing the cause to indigestion.

Dr J. W. Mcßrearty stated he was called to the residence of deceased about 8.30 p.m. on Saturday. The message was urgent.. On arrival at the house, he found that O’Hara was dead. He enquired into the history of deceased from Mrs O’Hara, who said he had complained several times of flatulence and pain under the breastplate. On Saturday afternoon he complained of the severity of the pains and said he would rest a couple of hours. He then had a walk in the garden, a bath and shave, and though still in pain, said he was much better. Later in the evening, when deceased was in the bedroom, Mrs O’Hara said she - heard a peculiar noise, and on going to ascertain the cause, found deceased expiring. He had not consulted a medical man. In witness’s opinion the symptoms were consistent with heart failure. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony. '' The funeral took place this afternoon at Karoro, the service being taken at the grave by Rev. T. N. Cuttie.