Mournful with the death of Adrianna Younge, under the most suspicious of circumstances, saw we the concerned masses, demanding the intervention of forensic pathologists. And with Adrianna’s body found floating in chlorinated water of the Double Day hotel pool, meant the question was one of, what residual evidence could these renowned experts uncover?
In fact, even before the threesome undertook their exploratory search for answers, the anticipation was, this would be a doubly difficult examination, considering the body was awash in evidence degenerating bleaching agent, whilst being exposed to the elements, not least the scorching sun.
However, such challenges, of a body reportedly exposed to the harsh environmental elements, certainly wouldn’t deter any pathologist worth their salt. And this the forensic trio proved true from the outset, in confidently requesting a CT scan of Adrianna’s body, registering a first in our 83000sq miles, and an understandable surprise for the untrained many.
In fact, this postmortem CT, not dissimilar to sophisticated X-rays, was so requested to create digital images of Adrianna’s internal organs, making it possible to visualise difficult to see bone fractures and organ injuries. Then, having completed this postmortem CT, specialist radiologists unerringly scoured the images, after which the painfully emotive undertaking of an autopsy began.
Now, with the CT images informing the process, we shall set foot, virtually on this occasion, into the postmortem examination room. And with us so positioned, all gazes are fixated on the forensic pathologist, who with tunnel vision, conducts a thorough external examination of the body, seeking out signs of foul play.
Thereafter, with external examination documented, the body cavities are surgically exposed, to facilitate an owl-eye imagery of the internal organs, inclusive of the brain, heart, lungs and abdominal viscera. Then with this inspection recorded, the organs are carefully externalised for closer scrutiny, weighing, measurements, sampling for microscopic analysis and toxicology.
Finally, with the postmortem examination completed, all externalised organs are returned to the body, before the incisions are surgically closed. And with the postmortem examination process completed, we venture to explore some of the pathological findings, identifiable in someone who drowned.
Firstly, it’s likely frothy fluid would be observed in the nasal cavity, representing a mixture of proteinaceous liquid from the lungs and water. Secondly, evident in a body submerged for a long duration, are the signs of decomposition, such as the waxy, discoloured, and macerated skin.
Thirdly, there will be minuscule bleeding on the eyelids or skin around the eyes, as a consequence of the asphyxiation process. Fourthly, it’s almost certain the lungs would be hyperinflated, swollen and heavy, as a result of water aspirated while being submerged.
Finally, there will be water in the stomach, an inevitable finding, indicative of that swallowed during the drowning incident. Thus, having dissected this postmortem examination and its pathological findings, conscious we are, it invariably establishes cause of death; however, maybe limited in determining circumstances, without the consequential toxicology, histopathology and DNA results.
That being said, the preliminary report on Adrianna’s forensic postmortem examination, albeit establishing cause of death, has nonetheless delivered more questions than answers, vis-à-vis the underpinning reason for the facial discolourations.
For this their postulation, such discolourations are a consequence of decomposition, rather than antemortem facial injuries from being forced drowned. However, proponents of such a medically enigmatic argument are confronted with this syllogistic challenge: why decomposition is limited to Adrianna’s face?
Moreover, the esteemed experts with forensic scalpel, counting decades of postmortem experience, concerningly failed to provide an estimated time of death.
And burdened with such a shortcoming this remain our concern, without an estimated time of death, more challenging it would be to hold the perpetrators culpable, an outcome that is in the interest of the installed government. Therefore, with innumerable uncertainties, ambiguities and unanswered questions, in a case that has psychologically aroused a nation, the recommendation and argument must be for a second opinion.
