The management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has warned the public and the media against jumping to hasty conclusions concerning the circumstances surrounding the death of a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at the hospital, Dr Hestia Idiodi-Thomas.
In a statement released on Monday, the hospital urged all to wait for the result of the Coroner’s Inquest into the cause of death of the doctor.
The statement read: “On Tuesday, 14th October 2015, Dr (Mrs) Hestia Idiodi-Thomas, a young Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and staff of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital was brought to the LUTH Accidents and Emergency Department following injuries sustained in tragic circumstances within her home environment.
“All efforts at resuscitating her failed and she was pronounced dead. The untimely death of this mother of two was a rude shock to her colleagues and the entirety of the LUTH community. “The police were promptly informed and a Coroner’s inquest into the case is almost completed.
“Dr Hestia Idiodi-Thomas was beloved by her colleagues, patients and all members of LUTH community who admired her dedication to duty, her gentle ever-smiling mien and humility to all. We shall all miss her.
“While we pray for the repose of her soul, we appeal to all to refrain from any speculations about the cause of death until the coroner’s verdict has been pronounced. “We therefore implore the press and the general public to please respect the memory of this rare gem and leave the family to mourn as they should during this difficult period.”
The social media space had been awash with speculations that Dr. Idiodi-Thomas was a victim of domestic violence, with rumour making the rounds that the doctor was admitted with a deep cut to her skull and severe lacerations on her body.