Cause of Death Revealed for Woman, 57, Who Refused Medical Care for Nearly 4 Decades

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Patricia Iliev, 57, weighed just 42 lbs. when she died at her home in Tasmania, Australia in March 2021NEED TO KNOW
The cause of death for a woman who refused medical attention for close to four decades has been confirmed at an inquest in Tasmania, Australia
Patricia Iliev died at age 57 at her home in the town of Sheffield in March 2021, from starvation, coroner Olivia McTaggart stated in an Aug. 5 report
Coroner Olivia McTaggart concluded that Iliev could have likely benefited from medical treatment, adding that it could have saved her life, even in the later stagesThe cause of death for a woman who refused medical attention for close to four decades has been confirmed at an inquest in Australia.
Patricia Iliev, from Tasmania, died at age 57 at her home in the town of Sheffield in March 2021, from starvation, coroner Olivia McTaggart stated in an official report dated Tuesday, Aug. 5.
During an inquest at the Coroners Court in Hobart, the court heard that Iliev weighed around 42 lbs. when she died after being immobile on her couch in the months before her death and stopping eating during that time, the coroner stated.
An autopsy was conducted by Dr. Donald Ritchey, who identified starvation as the primary cause of death, adding that Iliev had less than half the normal body mass index and "no subcutaneous body fat stores."
A gastrointestinal stromal tumour of the stomach and advanced lung disease, caused by smoking, were listed as secondary causes of death.
Per the Mayo Clinic, a "gastrointestinal stromal tumor, also called a GIST, is a type of cancer that begins in the digestive system. GISTs happen most often in the stomach and small intestine."
"A GIST is a growth of cells that's thought to form from nerve cells in the walls of the digestive organs. The nerve cells play a part in the process that moves food through the body," the site adds.
A pathology report cited that it was likely the tumor contributed to Iliev having a "depressed appetite." It stated that due to her battling an advanced diagnosis of the chronic lung condition emphysema, this meant she was "also at risk of wasting syndrome in which there may be severe weight loss."
Multiple hearings into Iliev's death were previously held in the Tasmanian cities of Devonport and Launceston between May 2022 and September 2024, before findings were handed down in August 2025, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) stated.
A previously released Magistrates Court of Tasmania Coronial Division filing regarding the inquest into Iliev's death, said that she'd "last received professional medical attention in 1988."
"Since that time she had been well until several years ago when her back began giving her some pain and her mobility became increasingly restricted," the December 2023 document added.
Iliev had been being cared for by her partner Philip Adams since 2020, and she hadn't left her home since late that year, the ABC reported, adding that this was due to her suffering "multiple painful back injuries."
The inquest explored whether Adams' care could have contributed to Iliev's death, however, the coroner found that although he could have done more, ultimately he "did not do any act to maliciously" result in her dying, per the official report.
Adams had given evidence stating that he'd found Iliev deceased on the couch after he'd spent a couple of hours in the garden, before he spent time mourning, as well as cleaning and dressing his partner before contacting a telephone health service.
After authorities arrived at the scene in March 2021, Iliev was found to have a "severely emaciated and pallid appearance," the official report stated.
During the inquest, Adams stated that Iliev was a very light eater and had never weighed more than around 77 lbs. since he'd known her, the report noted.
He claimed she became "pretty much confined to the couch" as she found it easier to use a bedpan and bottle there instead of getting up and going to the restroom.
In the six months before Iliev's death, she gradually decreased her food intake, the inquest heard, eventually having just one meal a day to limit the amount she'd have to use the bedpan or a plastic bag.
Adams stated that his partner — who had previously fasted throughout her life — had told him in her final week, "Philip, I've decided to stop eating," adding that she'd said "I'll let you know" when questioned when she would eat again.
Two to three days before her death, Iliev slipped into a deep sleep and was not responsive, per the report.
Adams insisted he chose to follow his partner's wishes by not getting medical treatment for her, despite considering it.
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Coroner Olivia McTaggart concluded that Iliev could have likely benefited from medical treatment, adding that it could have saved her life, even in the later stages.
"Despite the difficulty in determining the facts surrounding Ms. Iliev's death, I am satisfied that Mr. Adams did not do any act to maliciously cause her death," the coroner said, per the report.
"He clearly had affection for her, respected her wishes (or what he believed to be her wishes) and provided her food, water and assistance on the occasions she made requests," McTaggart went on, stating that it's possible mental illness played a part in Iliev's decision-making.
The Coroners Court in Hobart didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.Read the original article on People