A 57-year-old man accidentally fatally injured himself while trying to separate two frozen burgers with a knife, an inquest has revealed.
Barry Griffiths, from Wales, UK, died in his flat after inadvertently stabbing himself in the stomach while preparing a meal. His body, fully clothed, was discovered several days later, lying on his bed.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that Griffiths, who had limited use of one arm due to a previous stroke, died from a stab wound. Concerns about his welfare were raised after he had not been seen for over a week.
Described as a “very private man,” Griffiths was found with his mobile phone, wallet, and computer. Detective Sergeant Stephen Vaughan, who investigated the scene, concluded that the death was not a suicide but an “unexplained death,” with no signs of assault.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees testified at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court that the evidence suggested the injury was accidental.
He noted that the bottom drawer of the freezer was open and extended, and there were two uncooked burgers, a knife, and a tea towel on the kitchen work surface. He surmised that Griffiths was attempting to separate the frozen burgers with the knife when the injury occurred.
