An inquest is set to investigate potential hospital delays in the treatment of the 21-year-old daughter of a former cricket star after her family received the devastating news of her death from suspected sepsis. Bethan Amy James, the daughter of former Glamorgan and England cricketer Steve James, was admitted to the hospital on February 8, 2020, and tragically passed away the following day. The pre-inquest review hearing in Pontypridd disclosed that the likely medical cause of her death was sepsis.
Bethan’s father, Steve James, who was covering a Wales’ Six Nations match in Ireland at the time of her illness, expressed profound regret at not being able to see her before she passed away due to weather delays preventing his return home. The inquest, presided over by area coroner Patricia Morgan, will delve into the circumstances surrounding Bethan’s death, including her medical history, care, and treatment under Cardiff and Vale University Health Board between January 27 and February 9, 2020, as well as her transfer and admission to the hospital on February 8.
Steve James shared on social media the heartbreaking news of Bethan’s sudden passing, describing her as a caring and kind daughter and sister. The inquest will specifically focus on any delays in Bethan’s hospital admission, both in her ambulance transfer and subsequent admission into the hospital. The coroner discussed the necessary evidence and witnesses with representatives from Bethan’s family, CAVUHB, and the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust during the pre-inquest review.
Although dates in early to mid-2025 were proposed for the inquest conclusion, no specific date was determined at the hearing. The investigation aims to shed light on the events leading to Bethan James’s untimely death, providing closure to her grieving family and potentially highlighting areas for improvement in the healthcare system. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.