Sister says 'rising star' brother's death at his Leeds home 'was preventable'
The sister of a man whose body was found at home says his death was preventable, after he spoke with doctors about his symptoms and even suggested the correct cause.
The body of Joshua Haines was found at his property in Cookridge in March 2025, a coroner’s court heard this morning during the inquest into his death.
The 30-year-old had died from diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition linked to undiagnosed type-1 diabetes.
In a statement written by Joshua’s sister, Jessica Parker, read to Wakefield Coroner’s Court by assistant coroner, Naomi McLoughlin, she said that he had clear symptoms consistent with diabetes.
Joshua, who had no history of diabetes, he had even suggested the condition to doctors “on at least two occasions” in the days leading up to his death, Mrs Parker said.
He was suffering from vomiting for at least three days, was dehydrated from being unable to keep liquids down, was dizzy, too weak to even dress himself and was suffering confusion.
Mrs Parker said a GP was concerned enough to call Joshua when he missed his appointment, but did not escalate the matter, suggesting to Joshua to contact the non-emergency NHS number, 111.
His body was found on 19 March, 2025 at his home on Green Lane, Cookridge, shortly after 11am. He had lived there alone.
Police went to his house after his concerned sister contacted them to say she could not reach him.
In her statement, she said: “His death has torn a hole through my heart.
“We cannot understand how he could die so suddenly.”
She described him as her “best friend and soul mate”, would often stay at each other’s homes and the pair were due to fly out to Japan together.
Joshua worked as a surveyor and was regarded as a “rising star” in the industry, having been fast-tracked into management because of his “exceptional ability”.
Mrs Parker believed that had Joshua been assisted by ambulance crew or been taken to hospital, that “his condition was treatable and death preventable”.
The inquest continues and is expected to conclude later today.