Inquest finds six-year-old Harlow girl died from multiple organ failure caused by sepsis after appendicitis surgery
The coroner labelled the death of Ruby Trussler, 7 months after surgery, a "chain reaction of tragedy"
Last updated 8th Jan 2026
A girl from Harlow died of multiple organ failure, caused by sepsis and complications of treatment for bowel obstruction, an inquest has found.
Six-year-old Ruby Trussler had developed an adhesion as a result of undergoing appendicitis surgery seven months earlier, which led to the bowel obstruction.
Ruby's parents, Emma and Dean, believe a lack of urgency “directly contributed” to Ruby’s death, and they say “significant delays” had a “catastrophic” outcome.
Today, Senior Coroner Lincoln Brookes, labelled the girl's death a "chain reaction of tragedy."
Background
Ruby was initially admitted to Princess Alexandra Hospital by her father on the 7th of October, with blocked bowels and black bits in her vomit.
She was transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital on the 8th of October 2024, when her condition had worsened.
An abdominal adhesion was found, and surgeons tried to remove it.
However, they found it had blocked blood flow to Ruby's left leg, which was then amputated.
Ruby never regained consciousness after the amputation surgery, and a follow-up procedure.
She died three days later, and seven months after her initial surgery for appendicitis, on 11th October 2024, when her life support was switched off.
Following Ruby's death, her parents wrote a letter of complaint to Princess Alexandra Hospital, outlining their belief that there were missed opportunities for their little girl to receive the right treatment.
They added that "significant delays" had a "catastrophic" outcome, and called her care "completely unacceptable."
Response from healthcare professionals
Vikki Stone, Head of Nursing and Neonates at Princess Alexandra Hospital, said:
"We are determined to learn from this experience."
She also commented that changes have happened to reduce delays and make referrals better.
Dr Kingston-Hepner, paediatric consultant, who was part of Ruby's care between admission at 9pm and 2am, told the inquest that she agreed that Ruby needed an x-ray earlier than she received it.
She said that black bits can be more common in children's vomit.
She also said that the hospital is now better at getting information for sepsis diagnoses, with new software helping medical professionals.
Dr Ray, who was also part of Ruby's care, said that Ruby's vomiting led to de-hydration, and that it was a "mystery" as to why Ruby had such a severe reaction.
She also said that there were things that could have changed about their care, but based on what they were presented with, they would not have acted differently with the information that they had at the time.
She remarked that things "seem to be very, very different" when Ruby arrived at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
An ambulance nurse who was part of Ruby's escort, wrote that she was in "visible discomfort."
The journey to Addenbrooke's Hospital took 45 minutes.
She accidentally left discharge documents inside the ambulance, which led to some confusion upon Ruby's admission.
Remembering Ruby
In a tribute, Ruby's family say she was "a beacon of kindness and respect."
In May 2025 her school set up a fundraising page for a 24 Hour 3 Peak Challenge to raise money for the UK Sepsis Trust, in memory of the youngster.
In a statement they say she was 'a kind, happy and brilliant little girl who is so very missed.'
What happened in court today?
The inquest heard from Dr Featherstone, a consultant paediatrician from Addenbrooke's Hospital.
He was a part of Ruby's care from the 8th to 11th of October.
The court heard that "unfortunate consequences" played a part in Ruby's death, and that she was "critically unwell" during her time in the hospital.
She required an amputation of her left leg, above the knee, due to blood clots and a collapsed thigh artery, alongside discolouration of her limb.
By the 10th of October Ruby had fluctuating blood pressure and was incubated and ventilated.
The inquest recounted the events of the 11th. The family present, and Dr Featherstone were emotional when providing evidence.
He said that Ruby's body "was not getting the ideal blood supply" and that Ruby was "too unwell" to be taken to the theatre.
She was on three medicines to make her heart and blood work.
He said: "Unfortunately Ruby continued to deteriorate" and that there was sadly no realistic chance of recovery following the decrease in her health.
At 21:58 on the 11th of October Ruby died.
The family thanked Dr Featherstone and others involved in her care for their efforts.
Senior Coroner Lincoln Brookes in his closing findings said that Ruby's death has "affected a great many people."
"She was a popular, sweet girl."
He remarked that her parents had acted in the right way by bringing her in to hospital at the time they did, and that Ruby was "unlucky".
He called the events a "chain reaction of tragedy."