A mum who tragically lost her “happy and healthy” six-week old baby boy can now “grieve in her own way” after a court ruled his death sudden and unexpected.
Cruze Bleu Carl Morgan, died suddenly at home around 9.30am on February 15 2021, just six weeks after coming into this world.
To his mum Candice Morgan, it was the perfect Christmas gift when Cruze was born on December 22 last year, weighing 7lb 10oz.
However, due to the sudden nature of her son’s death an inquest had to be held to find out the cause and a coroner has now ruled Cruze’s cause of death as a sudden, unexpected death in infancy, as was detailed in his post-mortem examination.
At the inquest it was concluded that Cruze was “cared for and loved by his mum and his extended family” who all were affectionate towards him during his short life, according to a report in Nottinghamshire Live.
Sudden, unexpected death in infancies [SUID] is a term used to describe a sudden death of a baby less than a year old where there is no apparent cause.
Mum Candice Morgan, of Munford Circus in Nottingham, told Nottinghamshire Live: “My Cruze was a very healthy, happy little boy which everyone could see.
"The professionals who have supported me throughout have been amazing, including my bereavement nurse Hayley - who deserves an award - I couldn’t have stood up that day if it wasn’t for her.
“They all stated Cruze was a healthy and perfect little boy - and he sure was. I will never get closure on to why my precious boy left us too soon but I can now grieve in the way I want to, knowing that he was clearly too precious for earth.
“I want to thank all the professionals involved who cared for Cruze and have supported me throughout this nightmare.
“Cruze will always be loved for eternity by the family who adored how precious he really was and still is.
“I am hoping to raise awareness and support for SUID (Sudden unexpected infant death) also known as sudden unexplained death in infancy. At some point, to other parents that may experience the trauma I have.”
The inquest heard Candice had visited her mum’s house with Cruze, before returning home around 7.30pm on February 14.
Cruze, who had been feeding normally throughout the day, was given a bottle at around 9pm before Candice went to sleep around 1.20am on February 15.
Cruze woke again at around 2am and was given more formula, before waking again around two hours later - this time he didn’t want another bottle - and eventually both Candice and Cruze fell asleep in her bedroom.
When she awoke at around 9am on February 15, she noticed Cruze was pale, blue and a unresponsive. The ambulance service was called and Candice attempted to resuscitate him, but he sadly died shortly afterwards after being transferred to the Queen’s Medical Centre.
DS Laura Clark, of Nottinghamshire Police, told the inquest at the Council House in Nottingham: “The police investigation concluded this wasn’t a case of any neglectful features in relation to Candice’s care of Cruze.
“We are dealing with it as a tragic incident and we won’t be taking it any further.”
The coroner, Fiona Gingell, accepted that while the sleeping arrangements did preclude a greater risk of SUID, it was impossible to say whether this contributed to Cruze’s death as there was no evidence found to suggest this. She accepted this was not Cruze’s usual sleeping arrangements.
Ms Gingell told Cruze’s family: “It is a truly tragic case and I want to pass my deepest condolences to all of you.
“It’s clear he bought huge joy to your family and those few weeks, albeit short, will be with you forever. And you have got that to cherish.”
