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Coroner: Branson's Wife Could Have Survived With Blood Thinners
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In Short: A British coroner has concluded that Lady Joan Branson's death could have been prevented if she had received blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots.
A British coroner has concluded that Lady Joan Branson's death could have been prevented if she had received blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots. Senior coroner Fiona Wilcox told Westminster Coroner's Court that Lady Branson did not receive preventive anticoagulants despite a high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
Lady Branson, the wife of billionaire Richard Branson, died at 80 after being admitted to the hospital in November 2025 following a fall on Necker Island, a British Virgin Island owned by her husband. According to testimony during the legal inquest, her biggest risk factors included immobility after fracturing her leg in the fall.
Doctors at the hospital gave differing testimony about whether the risk of bleeding justified withholding the medication, specifically enoxaparin, an injectable blood thinner commonly used to prevent blood clots in hospitalized patients. Dr. Kunduzi, who was involved in her care, said her death led him to reflect on his role as a doctor and the importance of good communication between team members.
Dr. Jared Ross, an emergency medicine physician, told Fox News Digital that nearly all hospitalized adults should receive some form of blood clot prevention, either with medication or mechanical devices. He added that in the vast majority of cases, the benefits of blood-thinning medication outweigh the risks.
The family of Sir Richard Branson, however, has chosen not to comment on the inquest. A spokeswoman for Sir Branson pointed to his numerous social media posts about his wife, including one where he called her the 'shining star' of the family and said life would never be the same without her.
What this adds
The coroner's report did not find the case to be one of neglect, as Lady Branson did receive medical care.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.
Sources
- Fox Newslink