The grieving family of a freshman student alleges that medical personnel disregarded his abdominal discomfort and advised him to use paracetamol, leading to his untimely death shortly after. Joshua Adiefeh, 20, passed away at New Medlock House student housing on September 28, just two weeks after commencing his studies at Manchester Metropolitan University. His older brother, Daniel, recounted a distressing phone conversation with ambulance dispatchers who declined to respond, deeming the situation non-urgent despite Joshua’s deteriorating condition.

Following the tragic incident, a spokesperson from the North West Ambulance Service pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and provide the family with direct feedback. Originally from Bestwood in Nottingham, Joshua had relocated to Manchester to pursue a degree in accounting and finance. His twin brother, Joel, was with him when he initially complained of stomach pains.

Despite Joel’s efforts to summon medical assistance and describe Joshua’s symptoms, which included breathing difficulties, the ambulance service allegedly refused to dispatch help, insisting the situation was not serious enough. Subsequently, they recommended taking paracetamol. When Daniel arrived, he discovered his brother unresponsive. Emergency services arrived shortly after, but Joshua was pronounced dead two hours later.

The family later learned that Joshua’s death was attributed to an intestinal blockage. In a heartfelt online tribute, Daniel and Joel described their brother as a man of faith and one of the healthiest individuals they knew. Recalling their close bond and shared experiences, Daniel expressed the profound loss they felt without Joshua’s presence.

In the weeks leading up to his passing, Joshua had experienced intermittent sickness episodes, which he had downplayed as inconsequential. Despite these health challenges, he had adhered to a strict diet regimen aimed at improving his physique. The symptoms seemed to have abated in the weeks preceding his departure for university. Manchester Metropolitan University extended condolences to Joshua’s family and friends, acknowledging the loss of their first-year student.

Echoing sentiments of sympathy, the North West Ambulance Service spokesperson expressed condolences to Joshua’s family and offered them a platform to address any concerns through their patient resolutions team.