Parents’ horror as four-year-old boy dies after getting his head stuck on first night in brand-new bed

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy with cerebral palsy died after his head became stuck in his medical bed the first night he slept in it.

Ethan Wade, 4, was found by his dad the next morning in his brand-new bed at their home in Chatham in July 2021.

Kent MessengerEthan Wade, 4, died from respiratory arrest[/caption]

TherapostureEthan’s bed was specially adapted for his cerebral palsy condition[/caption]

Kent MessengerEthan was always smiling and had a contagious laugh, said his mum[/caption]

An inquest in Maidstone last week heard several witnesses including his heartbroken parents.

Paying tribute to her son, Jessica Gardiner spoke of how happy Ethan was and how much she missed him.

Several possible causes of death were examined during the hearing at Oakwood House, including how his younger brother potentially “played with buttons” on Ethan’s specially adapted bed.

The specialist Olaf bed was installed for Ethan who suffered from cerebral palsy, reflux, global development delay, was non-verbal and had mobility issues.

Both parents claim they left Ethan’s bed at its lowest level as recommended, when he went to sleep the night before.

Benjamin Wade, Ethan’s dad, told the inquiry he found his son face down, unresponsive and “floppy”.

Much of the four-day inquiry focused on whether a child lock security was attached to the remote when installed.

The inquest found the driver who installed it “mislaid” paperwork including a “checklist” that the parents should’ve had.

Once Mr Wade found Ethan, he pulled him free while his partner dialled 999 and started administrating CPR.

Ethan was rushed to the hospital, and with the help of the Paramedics, a heartbeat was detected.

He was later transferred to King’s College Hospital in London, but his condition deteriorated and he sadly died four days later.

The cause of death was recorded as hypoxia by Dr Virginia Fitzpatrick-Swallow, a Home Office forensic pathologist.

Hypoxia is the lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain and is consistent with entrapment.

A police officer arrived at the home around 8am and spoke to the grieving parents.

A clip from the officer’s body camera, heard Mr Wade talk about Ethan’s younger sibling’s habit of playing with “buttons”.

However, Benjamin “did not recall” saying this – when cross-examined by the counsel.

No evidence of criminality and the bed was later removed as requested by Mr Wade.

The bed was inspected by the police, who found no defects and the matter was referred to the Health and Safety Executive and the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency.

The bed was delivered and installed by Theraposture which specialises in tailor-made, adaptable furniture.

Sam Tucker, who installed the bed for Ethan, said he did the usual safety checks, gave a demonstration and offered advice.

Giving evidence on video, Mr Tucker said Mr Wade had no concerns or questions and seemed “competent” as he was already familiar with a different set-up.

He told the hearing that Ms Gardiner signed the paperwork and he sent it to his employees.

However, during their evidence, the parents claimed Mr Tucker didn’t leave behind a user manual or a copy of the completed checklist.

Mr Tucker left the company for “completely unrelated reasons,” and his old boss gave evidence praising his work.

David Holton, The chairman of the board of directors and co-owner of Theraposture, told the jury that his products were rigorously checked and that in his 20 years has never had a problem with an Olaf bed.

It was confirmed by Det Insp Sulling Chan, that a crime had not been committed and no third party was involved.

Regarding the handset, she said: “I recall seeing a chain, but not a key. But then at the time I wasn’t looking for a key, it wasn’t an issue.”

Det Insp Sulling Chan claimed that user error was the likely outcome for the bed malfunctioning, according to KentOnline.

“There was no evidence for an alternative explanation,” she told the court.

The jurors decided “user action” was to blame.

After they reached their decision, Assistant Coroner Catherine Wood told the family: “My sincere condolences on the absolutely devastating loss of your child.

“I can’t imagine how difficult this entire process has been.”

Ethan’s mum told KentOnline after the verdict how his condition never stopped him from having fun.

“When Ethan roared with laughter no one could resist laughing along with him, his laugh was so contagious,” she said.