Drugs not a factor in prisoner's death from brain haemorrhage

An Israeli inmate at Rimutaka Prison died last year from a brain haemorrhage, an inquest has found.

In findings released yesterday, Wellington coroner Garry Evans said Aviv Atias, 28, collapsed as he was getting dressed for breakfast in the prison on October 8 last year.

He was admitted to Hutt Hospital's intensive care unit and put on life support. Doctors advised his family that he was brain dead and should be taken off life support but they refused, citing Jewish spiritual and cultural beliefs. He died on October 13, while still being supported.

A post mortem showed that he had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage.

Atias was serving 8 years for drug possession and supply.

A toxicology report showed traces of morphine and amphetamines in his blood but they were not considered a factor in his death.

Mr Evans said it was of concern that Atias was able to secure, and use, illicit drugs while in prison.

- NZPA