Laura Jane Griffiths, Teacher and Mother of Two, Tragically Dies After Routine Ankle Surgery

Laura Jane Griffiths, a 35-year-old teacher and mother of two from Almondbury, Huddersfield, tragically passed away on December 31, 2019, following a routine operation to repair a broken ankle at Pinderfields Hospital. The surgery, which took place on December 30, involved the insertion of a plate and screws to mend the fracture sustained during a fall on a night out on December 14, told Yahoo.

Laura died from a pulmonary infarction, a condition where lung tissue dies due to a blocked blood supply. Contributory factors included pulmonary thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis in her left leg, which developed after the operation.

An inquest into her death is currently underway at Bradford Coroners’ Court, where her parents, Dennis and Cath, are voicing grave concerns regarding the care their daughter received.

The family is particularly questioning why the surgery was performed by a specialist trainee rather than the expected consultant, and whether there was adequate consideration of Laura’s heightened risk for blood clots. They are also raising issues about possible missed opportunities in the medical handling of Laura’s condition, including her painful and swollen knee, which went uninvestigated.

Cath, Laura’s mother, expressed that her daughter’s unexpected death has deeply shocked and heartbroken the family.

Laura was remembered as determined, loyal, and caring, with a robust academic and professional background, including three university degrees and varied careers in social work, mental health nursing, and special education. She was also an accomplished gymnast and martial artist, holding a black belt in taekwondo.

Laura’s commitment to service was evident in her founding of Activity for All, a charity dedicated to supporting children and adults with special needs, underscoring her lasting legacy in the community.