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A girl of 16 died from a rare heart condition after getting stressed while looking after a model baby for a college course.
Danielle Pilot, who was studying child development, had been looking after the baby simulator for 12 hours when she became distressed and complained of a lack of sleep. She died hours after the doll was returned to her tutors.
Her father, David Pilot, and sudden death expert Dr Elijah Behr voiced fears that looking after the doll had been a contributory factor.
Mr Pilot, from West Sussex, told the inquest in Worthing today that the doll woke Danielle every hour throughout the night and she was pale and stressed.
The hearing was told Danielle could have died at any time because her heart was on the wrong side of her chest.
Coroner Penelope Schofield recorded a verdict of death from natural causes as a result of arrhythmia.
Reader views (2)
My heart goes out to your family sweetheart. I lost my 13year old son Jason to a heart defect we did not know he had 9years ago. It is the worst thing in the world to lose your child, i wish they could develop some kind of test when a child is born that would show this up so no other parents would have to endure this heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in Peace sweetheart.
- Janet Hubbard, Fenton Staffordshire
Very tragic news indeed. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
- Napoleon Blownaparte, London
