Michael Reynolds, 29, died tragically after a doctor mistakenly diagnosed his life-threatening throat condition as tonsillitis. He first sought help for persistent throat pain and cough but was sent home with steroids.
When symptoms became severe, including inability to swallow and throat closure, Michael returned to medical care but was again given a misdiagnosis and antibiotics. Despite pleas for emergency treatment, his condition worsened until he collapsed at home and died in the hospital the next day.
Michael’s wife Charlotte is now a widow and single mother to their infant son Jacob. She shares the devastating impact of the loss and the missed opportunity to save him.
The official inquest found Michael died from hypoxic cardiac arrest caused by epiglottitis—swelling of the airway flap that prevents breathing. The condition requires urgent emergency care, but lack of recognition led to fatal delay.
Charlotte hopes by sharing their story, others will be better informed about epiglottitis symptoms and the need for quick medical attention, preventing others from facing the same heartbreak.
