Tragic Death of 3-Year-Old Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee: A Family’s Fight for Justice
Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee’s parents are heartbroken and outraged after learning that their daughter’s life might have been saved if medical staff had acted differently. At just three years old, Ryleigh tragically passed away from rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition where muscle tissue breaks down and causes severe complications. The condition affects only about one in 200,000 people in the UK, making it difficult to diagnose but often treatable with the right care. Sadly, Ryleigh died just three months after being discharged from Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where she had been treated for five days.
A recent coroner’s inquest led by Alan Wilson found serious flaws in the care Ryleigh received during her hospital stay. According to Wilson, medical staff missed multiple “red flags” in her condition—signs that, if caught, could have led to a timely diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Despite Ryleigh showing worsening mobility problems, which should have raised suspicion of a neuromuscular issue, the doctors decided to discharge her without further investigation. The coroner called this decision a missed opportunity to potentially save Ryleigh’s life.
At the hospital, Ryleigh’s blood tests showed dangerously high levels of Creatine Kinase, a marker of muscle damage. Yet, doctors wrongly diagnosed her with a chest infection or hepatitis, overlooking the possibility of rhabdomyolysis. Throughout her stay, Ryleigh showed concerning symptoms—weakness, lethargy, and sluggishness—but these were not thoroughly explored, which led to her premature discharge.
Diane Rostron, a medical negligence attorney representing Ryleigh’s family, expressed her frustration with the hospital’s handling of the case. The hospital had been advised to consult with a neuromuscular specialist, a step that could have led to an earlier diagnosis and potentially saved Ryleigh’s life. Rostron emphasized, “The hospital was given clear advice… to get specialist advice from a neuromuscular specialist.” She believes that if the proper steps had been taken, Ryleigh’s family would have known about her condition sooner, opening the door for life-saving treatment options.
Ryleigh’s tragic death has left her family and community devastated, as they grapple with grief and unanswered questions. They hope that the inquest findings will bring accountability to those responsible for her care and prevent similar mistakes in the future. The coroner has called for a full investigation into the breakdown in Ryleigh’s treatment by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, seeking answers about what went wrong.
Our hearts go out to Ryleigh’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We hope they find comfort and justice, and that sweet Ryleigh is at peace.
