Inquest into the Death of Child LK (Name Subject to Suppression Order)
Inquest into the Death of Child LK (Name Subject to Suppression Order)
Delivered on : 22 December 2025
Delivered at : Perth
Finding of : Coroner Nelson
Recommendations : N/A
Orders/Rules : N/A
Suppression Order :
The suppression of the deceased’s name from publication and any evidence likely to lead to the child’s identification.
The deceased is to be referred to as Child LK.
The names of the deceased’s siblings from publication and any evidence likely to lead to the identification of the deceased’s siblings.
The names of the children in the care of the CEO, residing at the Lifestyle Solutions care home in McKail during the time Child LK resided in the care home, and any evidence likely to lead to the identification of those children.
Summary : Child LK was a 14-year-old boy who died suddenly on or about 24 August 2023 after suffering an unwitnessed epileptic seizure, precipitated by viral infections. He was in the care of the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Communities (Department) at the time of his death.
Child LK had been diagnosed with epilepsy in June 2023 after a history of seizures in the preceding eight months. He was adhering to a medication regime prescribed by a specialist paediatrician, with the support of those caring for him, including staff at the family group home in McKail at which Child LK resided. The group home was operated as part of a care arrangement between the Department and a private organisation, Lifestyle Solutions (Aust) Ltd (Lifestyle Solutions).
In the morning of 24 August 2023, Child LK was found in his bedroom by his caregiver, unresponsive. Despite rescucitation efforts, he was declared deceased by attending paramedics.
Forensics pathologists concluded that Child LK’s cause of death was epilepsy in a boy with Influenza B and COVID-19 infections.
The coroner held a mandatory inquest, accepting the cause of death identified by the forensic pathologist, and determining that Child LK died of natural causes.
The coroner considered the management of Child LK’s seizures by the Department, Lifestyle Solutions and clinicians of the WA Country Health Service, and found all treatment and care to be satisfactory. The coroner concluded that Child LK’s death was an unexpected and tragic outcome.
The coroner also considered other issues arising on the evidence in relation to the supervision and care of Child LK, including management of specialist medical appointments, and communication between the Department and Lifestyle Solutions in relation to the same. The coroner was satisfied by the improvements made in relation to these issues by both organisations since Child LK’s death.
Catch Words : Mandatory inquest : Child in care : Management of medical issues : Supervision Treatment and Care : Natural Causes
Last updated: 21 January 2026