The family of a Nottingham dad who died whilst waiting for an urgent heart transplant have paid tribute to him as the inquest into his death was opened.
Luke Barnes, who lived in Mapperley and was a devoted Nottingham Forest fan, died in 2023 after first being admitted to full-time hospital care at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge a year earlier, Cambridgeshire Live reports.
The 34-year-old was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy – a chronic disease of the heart muscle – in 2018 and after being admitted to Papworth in 2022 for continuous hospital care, he was fitted with a mechanical pump system in December of that year.
Staff at Papworth eventually took Mr Barnes off life support on March 17, 2023, and an inquest into his death opened on Tuesday (January 20).
The inquest heard that Mr Barnes, who was survived by his wife and young son, died due to multi-organ failure, severe haemorrhage and dilated cardiomyopathy as a result of an “unexpected disconnection” in part of the tubing for the mechanical pump system.
Coroner Elizabeth Gray is leading the inquest at Vantage House in Huntingdon and in court on Tuesday were Luke’s widow Isobel Barnes, his mother, brother and his brother’s partner, as well as solicitors representing Mr Barnes’ family and the hospital.
Luke’s mother said her son “meant a great deal to us” and he was “loved”. Mrs Barnes said her son’s absence “has left a gap that cannot be filled.”
Isobel Barnes shared her tribute and described the 34-year-old as a “beacon of light”. She added he was a “much-loved friend”, who was a “cheeky chap, making everyone laugh”.
“To be loved by him was a blessing,” said Isobel. She added that he was “never afraid to speak his mind.”
During his time battling his illness, Isobel said Luke showed “great determination” and he will be remembered for his “lasting impact for everyone that knew him.”
The inquest continues on Wednesday (January 21).
