Teen Sent Home With “Constipation” Dies 24 Hours Later — A Tragic Story That Shows Why Early Diagnosis Matters

After Jack’s passing, doctors confirmed that diabetic ketoacidosis was the cause of death. The overwhelming sadness felt by the Dunn family was intensified by the knowledge that the condition is highly treatable when discovered early.

A simple blood glucose test — something that takes only seconds — would have indicated dangerously high ketone levels. Immediate treatment with insulin and fluids could have stabilized Jack’s condition within hours. Instead, the warning signs were overlooked, and a life that could have been saved slipped away.

Jack’s father, Kieron, later shared his anguish publicly. He explained that the moment he realized his son was gone was the most painful experience of his life. The family trusted the medical advice they were given, believing that the professionals had carried out all necessary tests.

But as they learned more about ketoacidosis, they understood just how easily Jack’s condition could have been detected.

In interviews, the Dunn family emphasized that the doctors’ assumption about anxiety was particularly devastating. Jack’s difficulty breathing was not psychological.

It was a direct sign that his organs were shutting down as acids built up in his bloodstream. Had this been recognized sooner, treatment could have been immediate — and effective.Continue reading…