A Lincoln mom of two died after a fall, just weeks before a planned move to supported living.
Megan lived a difficult life, the court heard. She struggled with drugs and mental health. Asthma and obesity were also concerns. Before her death, she stayed sober and looked forward to the future. She gained supported living.
The 33-year-old planned to move in late November. Staffing issues delayed it until mid-December. She fell in early November, and back pain bothered her since then.
The inquest began June 18, 2024. It paused for more investigation and restarted February 25 in Lincoln. Rachel Young oversaw it; she is assistant coroner.
Megan’s parents, Margaret and David, attended. She lived with them and her kids. Homelessness occurred before this, and living with her children caused tension. Her parents cared for them.
Megan actively sought her own place. She wanted to be independent. Doctors, nurses, and social workers gave statements. They discussed her drug and mental health issues. They also noted her positive outlook, and she planned to work again.
Professionals met to discuss Megan’s care. They needed to review her medications. She took sedatives and Diazepam for a long time. Physical problems may link to medicines. Weight gain, constipation, and tiredness occurred, and she seemed unsteady sometimes.
Megan found a new place to live. Things seemed better then, the court heard. She wanted to start fresh, the coroner said. She had been drug free for months, and her mom said Megan was doing well then.
Margaret said her daughter seemed happy. She looked forward to supported living, and her mom questioned the amount of medication. The coroner could not answer that.
Margaret added her daughter wanted pain relief. The pain was driving her crazy. The fall caused back pain, and she requested pain medicine from her doctor.
The coroner said she was found on her sofa. She was last seen awake four hours before. She had cardiac arrest from the medicine. She took acetaminophen with prescribed drugs. She arrived at the hospital after 9 a.m., and she went to intensive care.
Megan suffered brain damage. This happened due to lack of oxygen, and her condition worsened. She died later at 7:10 p.m.
The cardiac arrest likely resulted from medication. She tried to lessen the pain. Coroner Young ruled it a drug-related death. She said there was no suicidal intent, and she likely took the medicine for pain.