Wake Up, It’s Baby Day: Tragic Story of Tom Gibson’s Untimely Death

In a heart-wrenching testimony, Rebecca Moss recounted the harrowing moment she discovered her partner, Tom Gibson, unresponsive on what was supposed to be a joyous day. Despite her cheerful wake-up call, “Wake up, it’s baby day,” Tom lay motionless, told Daily Mail. As she approached to give him a morning kiss, she was met with the chilling reality that he was “cold and stiff.”

This devastating scene unfolded on the morning Rebecca was scheduled to give birth to their daughter. Desperate, she dialed 999, dragged Tom to the floor, and attempted resuscitation, but it was futile. At only 40, Tom had succumbed to sudden cardiac death, a shocking end for someone who was outwardly healthy and active in his career as a carpenter.

The tragedy was compounded by a series of medical oversights. Almost two weeks prior, Tom had visited the A&E with stomach bug symptoms, enduring a 12-hour ordeal that included two echocardiograms (ECGs). These tests revealed a ‘complete heart block‘—a critical condition that was tragically overlooked by medical staff at Wythenshawe Hospital. The misinterpretation of these results by multiple doctors meant that the severe warning signs went unheeded.

The Stockport Coroner’s Court, during the inquest into Tom’s death, heard how this oversight was a missed opportunity that could have potentially saved his life. Dr. Matthew Thornber expressed dismay at the oversight, noting the difficulty in interpreting the ECG but emphasizing that the signs of danger were indeed present. He described the situation as a “triple missed opportunity,” lamenting the hospital’s failure to take decisive action despite the alarming test results.

On the day of his death, Rebecca’s preparations for their daughter’s birth were tragically overshadowed by the loss of Tom. She gave birth under distressing circumstances, and Tom never met the daughter he had eagerly anticipated. The emotional toll was palpable as Rebecca shared, “Harper will celebrate her first birthday without her father; he won’t be there for any of her milestones”, via The Sun.

Tom’s absence is a profound loss, not only to his family but also as a cautionary tale of the potential consequences of medical errors. His story underscores the importance of diligent healthcare and the devastating impact of its shortcomings. As Rebecca continues to navigate life without her partner, she holds onto the belief that lessons will be learned from this tragedy, hoping that no other family endures such profound grief.