David and Collet Stephan.

By David Opinko

Child Death Trial

Coroner who investigated Ezekiel Stephan’s death becomes visibly frustrated in court

Jul 12, 2019 | 8:11 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Dr. Bamidele Adeagbo appeared in the Lethbridge court house via video Thursday for the second of his three-day schedule.

He was the coroner who looked into 19-month-old Ezekiel Stephan’s death after he arrived at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in March of 2012.

Dr. Adeabgo was questioned by David Stephan, Ezekiel’s father. Stephan asked if factors such as Ezekiel’s blood pressure and oxygen levels were taken into consideration when coming to the diagnosis that he died of bacterial meningitis.

The doctor affirmed that medical professionals, as they always do, considered every possible factor before arriving at their conclusion.

In trying to establish whether oxygen depravation can lead to brain damage, Stephan asked if ensuring that a good flow of oxygen to the brain is a good thing. Contrary to what Ezekiel’s parents believed, Dr. Adeagbo says the lack of oxygen had nothing to do with the child’s death.

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Stephan questioned if anti-inflammatory herbal medications can reverse the tide on conditions like hyponatremia and septicemia, but Dr. Adeagbo replied that, while it can help to prevent further inflammation in a case like this, it cannot undo damage that has already been caused.

After questioning carried on for some time, Dr. Adeagbo stood up from his chair and became visually frustrated with the court proceedings.

“This is not magic…this is medicine.”

With his voice rising and his tone conveying agitation, Dr. Adeagbo told court that, as the doctors were trying to resuscitate the child, it was “very apparent” that he was showing no vital signs. His blood pressure continually dropped as more readings were conducted.

While they were eventually able to temporarily increase Ezekiel’s blood pressure, he said it was already too late at that point.

Dr. Adeagbo paced around his video conference room and assured that the medical professionals did everything they could to save him.

Justice Terry Clackson admitted in court Thursday that he too was becoming frustrated by this particular trial and the way it has been carried out. He was seen numerous times during the questioning placing his head in his hands.

Dr. Adeagbo is scheduled to be back in court Friday.