In searching for information on Canadian pathology reports, I found this article about the percentages of incorrect Canadian death certificates (April, 2013). Slightly OT but it does give cause for concern.
"An estimated 20 to 50 per cent of death certificates are incorrect, the pathologist said."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/doctors-report-cause-of-death-incorrectly-too-often-expert-says-1.1341132
That is a sad story. I would have been outraged--not that it would have gotten me anywhere.
That is a very high percentage IMHO. Makes me wonder if it's caused by lack of training, being overworked, poor record keeping or other factors?
It's a shockingly high percentage.
Possibly all the causes you listed are part of the problem, including 'other factors.'
There are a lot of 'questionable' suicide deaths in the province of New Brunswick. What all is behind it, I don't know, but I think it definitely belongs in the 'other factors' category.
Even if we could get a copy of Gen's autopsy report, it may be inaccurate. I've never seen an official cause of death. Was it "accidental drowning"? Were there ANY indications of any other possible injuries? Any possible signs of a struggle? Gen's body was in the water for a long time so there just may not be any evidence to be found. We may never know.
BBM--I agree with that. Absolutely, 100%.
No 'official' cause of death has been released for Genevieve. The last we heard was that they were waiting on the toxicology report to officially complete the autopsy report.
Are there any pathology experts here on WS?
There used to be one, but I haven't seen her around in ages.
What should a Medical Examiner (ME) have looked for? After a month in the water, what evidence might an ME expect to find or not find? If the ME assumed that it was a drowning death, did they even look for more? Autopsies can tell volumes but you have to know what to look for and have experience to make sense of what you find. Given the circumstances surrounding Gen's disappearance and the other women, I would want a second opinion from an expert pathologist if Gen had been my relative.
BBM -I wonder if a forensic autopsy was even done. I suspect it was termed 'suicide' at the scene, and only the basic, most routine autopsy was done.
Gosh, I didn't know we were allowed to request a second opinion from a pathologist. Interesting.
If we don't think it was suicide or accidental drowning, what do we do next? Is there anything more we can do for Gen and her case? I'd love to read Mike Gorman's article but am unable to access it. This case has been frustrating.
I don't think we can do much more. Their word is law.
On most forums we would not even have been allowed to take our questions this far.
I thank Tricia; and co-management; and all moderators--who have given us this opportunity. :heartbeat:
