Probe into powerlifter’s death: Authorities awaiting statement from relatives

The authorities probing the circumstances surrounding the death of Rawndel Clementson are still awaiting a statement from relatives to move forward, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has said.

Clementson, 44, died last Tuesday while receiving care at the Diamond Hospital on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). The local powerlifter’s relatives said he received poor care at the hospital.

Dr. Anthony said a team from the Health Ministry with responsibility for Region Four, including the Regional Health Officer, Dr Gavinash Persaud, are conducting the investigation.

“It’s not at a standstill I think they have taken reports from the different staff who were working on the night and so maybe the family’s report will compliment and then they will make some decisions,” Dr. Anthony said.

He also assured that when the information is made available on a way forward, the Ministry will release the information.

According to a social media post that gained much traction, family members were asked to leave the room but soon after, were told the man succumbed. As such, they believe the man did not receive the necessary medical attention.

Dr. Persaud last Friday detailed the information received thus far and said that the man was taken to the hospital at about 03:00 hrs. It was reported that he was complaining of chest pains and intense heart palpitations. A doctor on duty and with nurses responded to the emergency.

Dr. Persaud was informed that at some point, the nurses tried to get his vitals but couldn’t because he reportedly fainted and fell to the ground. His weight proved a challenge for the team to get him onto a bed. As such, the doctor attended to him on the ground.

Though many attempts were made to resuscitate the man, he succumbed. The death was reported, as protocol, but with the concerns raised.

The probe into the circumstances and service offered is ongoing.