As his ‘heart sank’ at the tragic news, a woman died after the hospital fed her Weetabix.

Hazel Pearson, 80, who had coeliac disease, became violently ill after being given Weetabix at Wrexham Maelor Hospital in Wales, and died four days later, an inquest heard.

A hospital patient who couldn’t eat wheat died just days after eating Weetabix for breakfast.

A coroner has now chastised health officials over the investigation into her death.

Hazel Pearson, 80, was diagnosed with coeliac disease, which meant she had an allergic reaction to gluten, a dietary protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

She began vomiting hours after eating Weetabix, which is 95% wheat. Her condition worsened, and she passed away four days later.

Aspiration pneumonia was given as the cause of death, with Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disorder and heart failure contributing factors.

Mrs Pearson, a former credit controller, was admitted to North Wales’ Wrexham Maelor Hospital in November with fluid around her lungs.

However, Kate Sutherland, assistant coroner for North Wales east and central, adjourned the inquest and asked the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board for more evidence.

“It is commendable that local action has been taken,” she said, “but I am concerned about what I have heard about the investigation.”

“That is a very narrow vision – amateurish – with no strategic learning vision.”

According to the report, the pensioner was fed Weetabix for breakfast, which is mostly made of wheat.