Grieving parents Aaron and Yhnique Francois say a privately commissioned second autopsy on their six-year-old son Jasher has overturned the findings of the first, renewing their hope for justice.
They made the revelation at their San Fernando home yesterday, shortly after a privately commissioned, independent autopsy was conducted on their son, Jasher, at Guides Funeral Home by pathologist Professor Dr Hubert Daisley.
Jasher died at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital on Thursday, after being administered an intravenous drug. He had been admitted for a dry cough but died after being given the drug.
The parents, who appeared calm and composed for the first time in days yesterday, said they felt vindicated by the findings of the second autopsy and are now preparing their son’s funeral for Saturday.
Speaking to Guardian Media, Aaron Francois said they felt vindicated with the findings of the second autopsy, as it was “way different” to the findings of the first autopsy, which listed the cause of death as aspiration pneumonitis.
Saying they were awaiting Professor Daisley’s written report before sharing full medical details, Aaron said they felt a measure of peace.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, this confirms what we believed happened to our son,” he said at the family’s San Fernando home.
“It’s a major step in the right direction. We can now start to organise ourselves to put Jasher to rest.”
The parents said the second autopsy has also strengthened their resolve to see through an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding their son’s death. That probe, they said, is being facilitated by the Minister of Health and will be conducted by a team from outside the South-West Regional Health Authority.
Aaron added, “We’ve already put in our Freedom of Information request for Jasher’s hospital notes. I’m hoping the independent investigation will also shine light on where errors in judgement may have been made.”
Meanwhile, mother Yhnique Francois said she, too, felt comforted by the second autopsy.
“Although it can’t bring my son back, it vindicates what we knew in our hearts. At least now, Jasher will get justice,” she declared.
Aaron also had a message for other parents: “If you take your child to the hospital, stay with them 24/7. Have a pen and a notepad. Write down the names of the nurses and doctors, the medications they’re giving, what they’re for, and any possible side effects.
“Ask questions—don’t just assume everything is fine. I had blind faith in the medical staff, and I never used to question them. That was my mistake.”
While the family has not yet started counselling, Aaron said they were heartened by the love and support they have been getting from friends, family and members of the public. He also expressed gratitude to Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for setting up a probe into the death.
The funeral for Jasher will take place on Saturday at the Baptist Ambassadors for Christ Church in St John’s Village, San Fernando, from 11 am.