Inquest hears man stabbed himself to death after separating two burgers

A man tragically died after accidentally stabbing himself while trying to separate two frozen burgers with a knife, according to an inquest.

 

Barry Griffiths, 57, reportedly suffered a fatal wound to his stomach while attempting to pry apart the frozen burgers. The inquest revealed that he lived alone and remained undiscovered for several days, with a trail of blood leading through his kitchen and bedroom.

 

His body was found in July of last year in his flat in Llandrindod Wells, Powys. A post-mortem examination confirmed that he died from a single stab wound. Concerns had been raised by neighbors after Mr. Griffiths had not been seen for over a week. He was discovered fully clothed on his bed at his supported living accommodation, with blood on his stomach, while his phone, wallet, and computer were undisturbed.

 

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees noted that the bottom drawer of the freezer was left open, allowing access to food items. On the kitchen work surface near the fridge-freezer, investigators found two uncooked burgers, a knife, and a tea towel. He hypothesized that Mr. Griffiths had been trying to separate the frozen burgers when the incident occurred, as the wound was approximately at the height of the work surface.

 

Detective Sergeant Stephen Vaughan expressed confidence that this was not a suicide but rather an "unexplained death," with no evidence of assault. Home Office pathologist Dr. Richard Jones determined that the cause of death was blood loss due to a sharp force injury.

 

Following statements, house-to-house inquiries, and checks on Mr. Griffiths's finances and digital devices, investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. DCI Rees mentioned that the tip of a kitchen knife, initially thought to be marked with chocolate, was found to contain Mr. Griffiths's blood.

 

Coroner Patricia Morgan concluded that Mr. Griffiths, who had limited use of one arm following a stroke, likely died from an accident while preparing frozen food. She stated that he had lain dead for several days from the single stab wound, leading a "relatively private life with limited contact with others."