Inquest to examine death of Liam McGenity in hospital in Warrington

A coroner will resume the 10-day inquest into the death of Liam McGenity today, Monday, during which a jury will reach a conclusion.

The 29-year-old died on March 2, 2021, while an inpatient at St Mary’s Hospital in Orford, a private mental health facility run by Elysium Healthcare for men aged 18 and above.

Liam was admitted to the Floyd Drive facility in February 2021 following a mental health crisis, and his bed was commissioned by the NHS.

His family said: “We lost Liam, devastatingly while he was an inpatient at St Mary’s mental health hospital. He was a 29-year-old talented musician, with such a bright future ahead of him.

“He was utterly hilarious, with boundless energy and a zest for life, living each day to its fullest, spreading love and happiness with his caring, creative and confident personality.

“We are blessed to be left with his beautiful music, meaningful lyrics, soulful voice and skilled guitar playing.

Talented musician Liam McGenity died while a patient at St Mary's Hospital in Orford

“There are many of his much-loved songs on various music streaming platforms that we encourage everyone to listen to.”

The inquest, before area coroner for Cheshire Victoria Davies at Warrington Coroner’s Court, will examine Liam’s state of mind from November 2020 and the mental health treatment he received from then until his death.

Jurors will also investigate the circumstances of Liam being found on March 2, including the observations of him, how these were carried out and the risks within his bathroom.

Multi-disciplinary team meetings and communication between all institutions and case workers from November 2020 onwards will be looked at, in particular around the level of risk to himself.

Moreover, the inquest will probe the assessment and management of risk of suicide in the lead up to Liam’s death.

His family added: “In November 2020, Liam faced a mental health crisis, and after being sectioned, he was passed around various hospitals over a period of three months.

“Liam had never attempted to take his own life, indeed he loved life, and despite his challenges, Liam was full of life, optimism and determination, which is what makes his loss in these circumstances even harder to come to terms with.

Talented musician Liam McGenity died while a patient at St Mary's Hospital in Orford. Picture: Google Maps

“We expect the inquest to explore the treatment and care that Liam received during this time, and predominantly at St Mary’s Hospital.

“We are particularly concerned to understand why Liam tragically gave up on his wonderful life and how it was allowed to happen in a supposedly safe environment.

“We sincerely hope and expect that the inquest will determine the circumstances surrounding Liam’s tragic death and identify any areas that need to be improved to ensure the safety of other patients at all mental health facilities.”

Liam’s family are represented by Kelly Darlington, partner at Farleys Solicitors, alongside Lily Lewis of Garden Court North Chambers.

Kelly commented: “This is an extremely tragic case where another young life has been lost in mental health detention – a setting where patients are meant to be kept safe and policies and procedures adhered to at all times.

“Liam’s family have been utterly devastated by his death and have shown nothing but courage and dignity in what has been a lengthy and complex inquest process.

“It is hoped that the inquest will give them the long-awaited answers they have been waiting for and go some way in bringing them a sense of closure.”