A heartbreaking inquest has revealed new details about a Darlington woman who was mistakenly taken to a mortuary instead of the hospital’s emergency department—and briefly regained consciousness before passing away.

Fifty-four-year-old Olive Martin collapsed at her home on 13 October 2023, likely after suffering a seizure. Police and paramedics responded, but believing she had died, they transported her directly to the Darlington Hospital mortuary rather than A&E. According to testimony, Olive received no medical treatment during the two hours that followed.

Mortuary staff were shocked to discover signs of life shortly after her arrival. Reports say Olive briefly regained consciousness before tragically dying soon after from severe brain damage. The inquest heard that she showed responses to touch and verbal cues, suggesting some level of brain function remained.

Her family, devastated by the circumstances, described Olive as a warm, positive, and resilient woman who touched everyone she met. They are now questioning whether immediate treatment at A&E might have changed the outcome. Their representative told the court there was “a window of opportunity” during which Olive went entirely untreated.

Emergency service officials testified that it remains unclear how long Olive had been without oxygen before help arrived. Evidence from her home—such as toast left in the toaster—suggests she had been preparing for work shortly before collapsing.

The North East Ambulance Service has apologized for the distress caused and is continuing its internal review. The inquest has been adjourned until 30 January for further examination.