Lancashire roofer dies twice

A young roofer from came back to life 30 minutes after doctors informed his family he had died.

Michael Wilkinson of Preston, Lancashire is one of just 38 cases worldwide of what is known as Lazarus Syndrome – a spontaneous return of circulation after attempts at resuscitation have failed.

According to the Lancashire Evening Post, the 23-year-old has a previously undiagnosed heart condition and was found collapsed in bed by his mother. He was taken to hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead.

Half an hour later a medic discovered a pulse and relatives were told Wilkinson was still alive.

John Whittaker, a consultant in the A&E department at Royal Preston Hospital, said Wilkinson's pulse restarting was probably due to the drugs he had been given.

He told the inquest at Preston Magistrates' court: "When we pronounce him dead that is not a small thing, you make absolutely certain.

"The decision to pronounce him dead was because we had worked on him for 15 minutes and come to the end of what we could do."

The roofer was transferred to the intensive care unit and had an emergency operation but died two days later.

Coroner Derek Baker recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.