Man, 23, died after bathtub tragedy, inquest heard

Marlon Wood, 23, who had epilepsy and curvature of the spine, was discovered face down in the bathtub at his home in Woodbury Lane, Salisbury, by his mother on February 17. He died in hospital a week later.

An inquest into his death at Salisbury coroner’s court on December 19 heard that Marlon’s mother, Debra Andrews, had hoisted him into the bath before leaving him while she did chores around the house – as she frequently did.

In a statement Ms Andrews said: “Bath times had never been a problem in any way for either of us.”

She added that water would only be up to his lap and that no one had ever told her not to leave Marlon.

The inquest heard that Ms Andrews returned to the bathroom around five minutes later where she found her son.

“As I walked in I called out to him. As soon as I saw him I knew he was dead. I knew something was wrong and lifted him straight out of the water,” Ms Andrews added.

Ms Andrews carried out CPR until paramedics arrived and took him to hospital.

After treatment at Salisbury District Hospital, doctors decided to give Marlon palliative care until he died on February 24.

Following his death a police investigation was carried out, but found no evidence of any wrongdoing.

Adult safeguarding officer with Wiltshire Police Christopher Bazere said: “I understand he had been left alone in the bath in the past and there was no evidence that he shouldn’t be left alone.

“From the police conclusion this was a traumatic accident and no crime was involved.”

The inquest heard that Marlon enjoyed playing with blue elastic bands, and his mother said he could have been reaching for goggles that he wanted to play with when the incident took place.

It was also heard that there had been no recorded incidents where Marlon had had a seizure in the bath.

Assistant coroner Ian Singleton recorded a narrative conclusion.

He said: “I cannot say this was an accident; it may have been a medical cause such as a seizure.”