Inquest into death of AUA student to be held today; but post-mortem still required before body can be released to relatives

The coroner’s inquest into the death of American University of Antigua (AUA) student Kenneth Matthew is being undertaken today, November 7.
 
A source says the coroner, Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh, and a small jury panel are expected to view the body at the funeral home.
 
It is also hoped that a post-mortem examination will take place later today, since Matthew’s family has asked for the process to be expedited to facilitate the body being flown back to Qatar for burial.
 
A source says that Matthew’s father and uncle, who are currently on island, paid a visit to the coroner to make this request.
 
Reportedly, the men were assured that the inquest would be undertaken quickly. However, based on the law, a post-mortem will have to be conducted to determine the exact cause of Matthew’s death before a death certificate is issued and the body is released.
 
Matthew, who was struck by a car two Sundays ago, succumbed to his injuries in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre last Wednesday, November 2, at 10:40 a.m.
 
The man alleged to be responsible for the accident, Karim “Ice Cream” Edwards, is currently on bail on a charge of dangerous driving.
 
The Police are yet to upgrade the charge to causing death by dangerous driving; however, this might be dependent on the results of the post-mortem examination.
 
Still hospitalized is Matthew’s female colleague, 19-year-old Priyanjana Das, who lost an arm as a result of the accident, but is otherwise expected to make a full recovery.