Queensland coroner finds six-year-old died from scurvy after long-term dietary concerns

A six-year-old boy died from scurvy in 2024, a Queensland coroner has found, with the fatal brain damage most likely triggered by severe vitamin C deficiency. Connor Dean suffered a cardiac arrest under general anaesthetic at Queensland Children's Hospital. The boy, who had Down syndrome and a repaired heart defect, was admitted in July 2024 with knee pain and limping. Blood tests showed vitamin C levels below 1 micromole per litre, far under the normal range of 20 to 120, and scans revealed bone changes consistent with scurvy. His paediatrician said longstanding dietary concerns existed, as Connor ate no fruit or vegetables and had gained only 300 grams in 11 months. The coroner focused on the failure to detect the deficiency in time, rather than blaming the multivitamin used.