WARNING: This article contains graphic details
British officials have determined the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a 57-year-old man last year.
According to the Western Telegraph, Barry Griffiths died in June 2023 after accidentally stabbing himself while attempting to separate frozen burgers with a knife. The coroner’s court hearing on Monday revealed the findings of the investigation.
Griffiths, a resident of Llandrindod Wells, had limited mobility in one arm due to a previous stroke, which likely contributed to the accidental stabbing.
Tragically, Griffiths’ body remained undiscovered in his apartment for several days following his death. Coroner Patricia Morgan noted that Griffiths lived a relatively private life with limited social interaction, explaining why it took over a week for authorities to conduct a welfare check.
Griffiths’ body was discovered in his bed on July 4, 2023. The Western Telegraph reported that his phone was last active on June 23 and his laptop was used on June 24.
Griffiths also suffered from coronary artery disease, a condition that restricts blood flow to the heart due to plaque buildup in the arteries. This condition also played a role in his death, according to Morgan.
Initial investigations led officials to believe that Griffiths’ death may have been a suicide. However, Deputy Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees explained that after thorough investigation, officials concluded that the cause of death was “an accident solely involving Mr. Griffiths.”
“The bottom drawer of the freezer had been left open and pulled forward in a position to access food items,” Rees explained, as reported by the Western Telegraph. “On the work surface in the kitchen adjacent to the fridge freezer were two uncooked burgers, a knife and a tea towel.”
“The wound to the abdomen would have been approximately the height of the work surface,” he added. “My hypothesis at that stage was that Mr Griffiths was attempting to separate frozen burgers using a knife.”
During the hearing, Morgan expressed her condolences to Griffiths’ family members, acknowledging the difficulty and trauma associated with the evidence presented.
“Thank you for your patience while the investigation was ongoing,” Morgan was quoted as saying. “I express my condolences at this difficult time.”
Digital reached out to the South Wales Central Coroner’s Office for additional information.