“Saying Goodbye to a Sweet Angel: What You Need to Know About This Tragic Loss

The parents of three-year-old Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee are devastated after learning that their daughter’s life might have been saved. Ryleigh passed away from a rare condition called rhabdomyolysis, which causes muscle breakdown. This disorder affects one in 200,000 people in the UK.

The coroner, Alan Wilson, concluded that doctors had missed key signs of her condition before they discharged her from the hospital after a five-day stay. They failed to notice her limited mobility, which could have pointed to a neuromuscular problem. She died three months after being sent home.

When Ryleigh was first admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, tests showed her blood had unusually high levels of Creatine Kinase, which typically signals muscle damage. Despite this, doctors believed she had a chest infection or hepatitis. At the time, she was slow, floppy, and tired.

Coroner Wilson has asked for evidence from the doctors at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where Ryleigh was treated. Medical lawyer Diane Rostron explained that the hospital had been advised to seek specialist input but did not, missing the chance to diagnose rhabdomyolysis. If they had, the family could have explored other treatment options.

We are deeply sorry for the loss of Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee and hope her family finds the closure they need. May she rest in peace.