Coroner finds toddler Siuta Laulaupea’alu Uhi choked to death on drawing pin
A coroner has officially determined that a 21-month-old toddler died from choking on a drawing pin found in his throat. The report serves as a public warning about the dangers of small household objects accessible to infants.
Why it matters
Publicizing such findings is a standard safety measure to prevent future accidental deaths by raising awareness of common household hazards.
Siuta Laulaupea’alu Uhi died at Waitākere Hospital despite resuscitation efforts from his family, paramedics and hospital staff. File Image / Sylvie Whinray
When Lisita Laulaupea’alu noticed her toddler was choking she did everything she could to try to clear his airway.
She acted quickly, turning him face down and giving him “back blows” to try to clear his airway before getting family involved and seeking medical help.
But, despite the “extensive and exhaustive” resuscitation efforts of his family, paramedics and hospital staff, 21-month-old Siuta Laulaupea’alu Uhi died at Waitākere Hospital.
A pathologist later found a small drawing pin stuck in the back of the toddler’s throat.
Now, Coroner Ian Telford has released his findings into the toddler’s “tragic death”, saying the “profound loss” was a “reminder to us all” about the danger small household items pose to young children.
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