He was taken off life support at a Cambridge hospital
A family has paid tribute to a “loved” father who was a “beacon of light”, after he died awaiting a transplant – as the inquest into his death was opened. Luke Barnes, who lived in Mapperley, Nottingham, was taken off life support at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge on March 17, 2023.
Luke, 34, was awaiting an “urgent” heart transplant, after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy – a chronic disease of the heart muscle – in 2018. He was admitted full time to Papworth in 2022 as he needed continuous hospital care. In December 2022, he was fitted with a BiVad, a mechanical pump system that supports the left and right side of the heart to support blood flow.
The inquest into his death, expected to last two days, opened today (Tuesday, January 20) at Vantage House in Huntingdon and was led by Coroner Elizabeth Gray. Luke’s cause of death was due to multi-organ failure, severe haemorrhage and dilated cardiomyopathy as a result of an “unexpected disconnection” in part of the BiVad tubing.
In court were Luke’s family, including his widow Isobel Barnes, his mother, brother and his brother’s partner, as well as solicitors representing Luke’s family and the hosptial. Tributes were paid by Luke’s mum and wife Isobel.
His mum Mrs Barnes said Luke was her son and that would “always be the most important thing”. She added that he “meant a great deal to us” and he was “loved”.
Mrs Barnes said her son’s “absence has left a gap that cannot be filled”. She also said he “loved his son more than anything” and concluded that “Luke will always be my son and will always be missed”.
Isobel Barnes shared her tribute and described the 34-year-old as a “beacon of light”. She added he was a “much-loved friend”, who was a “cheeky chap, making everyone laugh”.
“To be loved by him was a blessing,” said Isobel. She added that he was “never afraid to speak his mind”.
During his time battling his illness, Isobel said Luke showed “great determination” and he will be remembered for his “lasting impact for everyone that knew him”. Four witnesses spoke after tributes were shared.
These were Dr Steven Pettit, consultant cardiologist at Royal Papworth, Aimee Blunt, a member of the Cambridge Perfusion team, and two staff nurses who cared for Luke on March 16, 2023, named Nurse Thomas and Nurse Kuzniarz.
The inquest continues tomorrow (Wednesday, January 21).
