Grahame John Chaplain, 1921-25/4/1937.

 DEATHS.

CHAPLAIN. — On April 25, 1957, at 15 Skibo street, Caversham, Grahame John Chaplain, beloved son of John and Emily Chaplain; aged 16 years. Private interment. — Hugh Gourley Ltd., funeral directors.  -Evening Star, 26/4/1937.

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES

DEATH OF A YOUTH 

SUCCUMBED AFTER CHOKING FIT 

Shortly after he had suffered a choking fit, Grahame John Chaplain, aged 16 years, died at his parents' home, 15 Skibo street, Kew, early on Sunday morning. He had been in ill-health for some years. An inquest will be held this morning.   -Otago Daily Times, 27/4/1937.

BOY’S SUDDEN DEATH

ASPHYXIA THE CAUSE 

That death was due to asphyxia, resulting from a complete blockage of the upper air passages by an inflammatory swelling of the tissues, caused by an abscess situated behind and below the base of the tongue, was the verdict returned by the coroner. (Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M.) at the inquest held this morning on the body of Grahame John Chaplain. The deceased died at his parents’ residence at 15 Skibo street, Caversham, early yesterday morning. Sergeant Stark conducted the proceedings on behalf of the police. Dr D’Ath gave evidence regarding his post-mortem examination of the body. In his opinion death was caused as stated above. 

John Chaplain, father of the deceased, said that the boy had been delicate from birth and had been attended by doctors from time to time. On Tuesday last he complained that the glands of his throat were sore, and was then treated with hot packs, which gave relief. Last Saturday he was apparently in his normal state of health, and about 10 p.m. went to sleep in a room by himself. About 11 p.m. witness gave the deceased a drink, and two hours later he gave him a second drink, after which the boy went to sleep again. About 2 a.m. witness heard a chair fall over in the boy’s room, and on investigating he found the boy sitting on the side of the bed. The boy then said: “Help me, dad; I can’t get my breath.” Witness called the boy’s mother, who tried to clear any obstruction there might be in his throat, while witness went to a neighbour’s home to telephone for Dr Murray. When he returned he found the boy was dead, and when the doctor arrived he could only pronounce life extinct.

Stating that the post mortem cleared up the matter, the Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with medical evidence.  -Evening Star, 27/4/1937.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.