Woman, 26, Found Dead After Choking on Vomit in Dorset Home

A young woman known for her struggle with eating solid foods was found dead in her bed after choking on her own vomit. An inquest revealed that Tia-Mae McCarthy, 26, passed away at her family home in Alderholt, Dorset, on April 28, 2023.

Tia-Mae gained attention for her unique eating challenges, refusing solid food until the age of 15. She was primarily fed through a tube due to a rare congenital disorder known as oesophageal atresia, which prevented her esophagus and stomach from connecting properly. Despite undergoing a critical oesophageal surgery as a child, she eventually began to eat normally as a teenager.

According to the inquest held in Bournemouth, Tia-Mae’s death was linked to the surgical procedure she had as a child. The court heard that aspiration, the inhalation of foreign material into the lungs, is a known risk factor associated with her surgery.

For about a week prior to her death, Tia-Mae had been suffering from a “rattly” cough. Her step-father, Jason Allman, reported that he had propped her up with extra pillows the night before she died in an effort to ease her coughing and breathing difficulties.

A post-mortem examination indicated that Tia-Mae had vomit in her airways, alongside remnants of the mac and cheese she had consumed for dinner the previous evening. The coroner stated that her cause of death was aspiration due to complications arising from her previous surgical procedure.

Tia-Mae was born prematurely at just 12 weeks, weighing only 2 pounds 3 ounces. Her early years were marked by significant medical challenges, including surgeries to facilitate her development. Despite these obstacles, she eventually transitioned to a normal diet at 15, enjoying a variety of foods, including salmon and scallops, after years of being tube-fed.

Her mother, Sue McCarthy, had been actively involved in seeking solutions for Tia-Mae’s eating difficulties, which had baffled medical professionals. A documentary titled The Girl Who Never Ate chronicled their journey to find help, detailing efforts that included a controversial research program in Austria.

Despite her initial eating challenges, Tia-Mae later led a fulfilling life. She participated in activities such as horse riding and attended an adult day centre, although she required support due to learning difficulties stemming from her medical history.

During the inquest, Coroner Brendan Allen emphasized the circumstances leading to her death: “The surgical procedure left her at an increased risk of aspiration.” He concluded that her death was a consequence of a recognized risk factor linked to her past surgery and classified it as unnatural.

Tia-Mae’s story highlights the complexities of living with early life medical conditions and the ongoing risks associated with surgical interventions, even years later. Her family continues to mourn her passing while reflecting on the challenges she overcame throughout her life.