Family gave Alberta child who died of meningitis fluid with eyedropper: docs

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – Just days before a 19-month-old Alberta boy was rushed to hospital and died from bacterial meningitis his family was giving him fluids through an eyedropper.

Court documents from the trial of David and Collet Stephan also indicate that Ezekiel’s body was so stiff and sore that he couldn’t be placed in a car seat.

READ MORE: Alberta father of boy who died of meningitis undergoes lengthy cross-examination

The Stephans are charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life for Ezekiel in 2012.

Watch below: Global’s ongoing coverage in the trial of David and Collet Stephan

1:37 Cross examination of David Stephan continues

• Cross examination of David Stephan continues
• David Stephan takes the stand in his own defence
• Medical examiner takes stand at Stephan trial
• Testimony continues on day 2 of Stephan Trial
• Trial for David and Colet Stephan opens in Lethbridge

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The boy, who had been given smoothies with hot peppers and horseradish when he became ill with what his parents thought was croup, stopped breathing and died in hospital.

“They also ensured he was getting plenty of fluids with the eyedropper, as he would not drink on his own, and they additionally started him on (an electrolyte and amino acid supplement),” wrote Dr. Jenn D’Mello in her assessment of the case.

“On March 11th (2012), Ezekiel’s symptoms worsened again. He would not eat or drink, was lethargic and they noticed his body to be very stiff. These symptoms persisted on March 12th and he started being so stiff that his back was arched.”

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D’Mello’s assessment from March 15, 2012, said that Ezekiel “met criteria for brain death.”

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READ MORE: Parents of Alberta boy who died from meningitis thought he had cold or flu: defence

Ezekiel died the next day. Pathologist Dr. Bamidele Adeagbo listed the cause of death “as a result of bacterial meningitis and right pleural empyema (lung infection).”

D’Mello’s report noted that Collet Stephan never saw a physician during her pregnancy and did not have any blood tests or ultrasounds done before Ezekiel’s home birth.

David Stephan testified Wednesday that his son had never been taken to a medical doctor.

Stephan also said he’s not 100 per cent convinced Ezekiel died of meningitis, but he acknowledged “it’s very likely.” He added there are still come elements of confusion about the case.

Collet Stephan is to testify today.

READ MORE: Should parents be forced to give kids conventional medicine? Alberta case raises ethical questions