A British music producer’s alcoholism likely made him more susceptible to the medical event that caused him to die in Byron Bay in an ambulance off New South Walesthe court heard.
Karl Bareham was found in an area of the ocean 2.5km from the coast, without breathing apparatus, on a dive trip to Nguthungulli/Juliani Rocks on 24 September 2019.
Day arrived in Australia at the age of 37 to tour with City and Color musician Dallas Green.
The NSW coroner heard on Wednesday from three medical experts who assessed what could have caused Bareham’s death.
Under questioning by coroner Rob Ranken’s counsel, experts agreed that Bareham’s chronic alcoholism could have triggered the medical event when he was underwater.
He disagrees, however, in what they thought was the ultimate cause of death.
Dr Ian Millar, a specialist in diving and hyperbaric medicine, and Dr Alison Ward, a forensic pathologist, agreed in their evidence before the court that Bareham drowned after a sudden cardiac event or seizure.
They said that he was suffering from alcoholism and that the lungs were more suitable in such an event.
Parr said he most likely suffered a cardiac arrest or seizure because it appeared it was just seconds for Bareham to become incapacitated.
The court heard that the scuba diving instructor had found Barham with his regulator from his mouth and tried to put it back in his mouth.
Three experts agreed that voluntary or involuntary removal of the breathing apparatus was due to a medical episode.
“It’s a last gasp of terror,” Millar told the inquest.
Dr Glen Hawkins agreed with two other medical experts that it was possible Bareham suffered a cardiac arrest or seizure.
But the court said Bareham’s ultimate cause of death was not drowning but immersion pulmonary edema – a condition caused by too much fluid in the lungs.
Post Newsletter promotion
“[Drowning as the cause of death] It’s like saying everyone dies in a plane crash due to blunt force trauma, not what is the cause of the plane crash,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins was told by the court that excessive drinking had affected his organs and in the case Bareham had developed liver disease. He can also suffer from cardiomyopathy – heart muscle disease.
Hawkins said these pre-existing medical conditions made him more susceptible to pulmonary edema.
Hawkins told the court that pulmonary edema likely led Bareham to suffer from hypoxia – which can cause confusion and euphoria – and then become unconscious.
The court heard that Bareham gave police a low blood alcohol level – probably the equivalent of two drinks – and that it was potentially from the night before.
Asked if Bareham might withdraw the case of an alcohol-related patient withdrawal, Hawkins said Wednesday: “It’s not a withdrawal, but it’s less likely.”
The investigation is ongoing and is expected to end on Friday.