An inquest into the death of a Derry woman who died following gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey has been told it is ready to proceed to a full hearing next year. Shannon Meenan-Browse, 32, passed away in August 2023, 18 months after undergoing the procedure.
Preliminary hearing details
A preliminary hearing at Laganside Court on Tuesday, October 13, confirmed that the discovery process in the case was complete and all parties were prepared to move forward to a full hearing. Coroner Anne-Louise Toal said a full hearing could not be scheduled until at least the end of February 2027, due to other inquests already in the diary.
She confirmed she would seek a suitable date and notify all parties involved should a further preliminary hearing be required, reports Belfast Live.
Family's account of Shannon's decline
Shannon's family said she had "starved to death" following the operation. Her husband Don and father Shane described how she became so gravely ill that she "starved", suffering from vomiting so severe that her teeth rotted and her hair fell out before she died.
Speaking to Belfast Live in September 2023, Don described his wife's death as "soul destroying" for the family.
Warning about overseas surgery
Addressing the dangers of travelling overseas for weight loss surgery, Don said: "I want everybody to be aware, to do your research, and to be aware that all the bad reviews are taken off."
