Family’s fear after daughter, 32, dies suddenly

A FAMILY of a 32-year-old woman who suddenly collapsed and died after suffering years of blackouts fear her sister could have a similar condition.

An inquest into the death of Leighane Hersey, of Winchester Road, Worthing, on Thursday, heard how her younger sibling was undergoing tests after episodes of passing out.

Miss Hersey, who was found in her bathroom by a friend on April 30, is believed to have died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS).

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Her mother, Dawn Hutchin, told the court: “With her consistent passing out, Leighane was unable to work.

“My second daughter has just had an operation on her heart, to see what’s going on.

“She can just be walking down the road, and will be passing out.”

Miss Hersey had been prescribed medication for epilepsy, after suffering the blackouts since her early 20s, but it was not improving her quality of life.

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Despite this, there was no indication she was unwell on the day she died.

On the day of her death, her friend and neighbour had visited her, and waited in her lounge while Miss Hersey had a bath.

But when she didn’t come out, and there was no answer, she went into the bathroom, and found her collapsed.

For the full story, see the Worthing Herald, out Thursday, August 22.