Girl, 5, dies after blood transfusion given against parents' wishes
An inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of Adele Tajudeen, who had cerebral palsy.
A five-year-old girl with cerebral palsy died in May 2025, an inquest has heard. Adele Tajudeen, who used a wheelchair and had a feeding tube, passed away after a period of hospital admissions. Her mother described her as a 'shining light, a precious gift, a lasting legacy'.
Inquest examines circumstances of death
The London Inner South Coroner’s Court heard that Adele, born on Christmas Day 2019, had been in and out of London hospitals throughout her short life. Assistant Coroner Gareth Jones informed the hearing that aspiration pneumonia was a suggested cause of death, a condition associated with cerebral palsy. However, the cause of death has not yet been definitively determined as the inquest remains open.
Adele's father, Damilola Tajudeen, told the inquest that the family had moved to the UK from Nigeria in November 2023. He stated that Adele began experiencing chest infections after a nasogastric feeding tube was inserted in February 2024. The family are Jehovah's Witnesses, a faith that historically does not permit blood transfusions.
In early 2025, Adele received a blood transfusion. This occurred after a court ruling permitted doctors to administer it, overriding her parents' objections. Mr Tajudeen stated that the family has struggled to come to terms with their daughter's death. No suggestion was made during the inquest that the blood transfusion was linked to her passing.
“Don’t let anyone tell you your child is a body - they are a gift, cherish them, fight for them, celebrate every small victory.”
Addressing parents of children with special needs, Adele's mother, Temilade Tajudeen, who is a full-time carer, urged them to cherish their children and fight for them. She spoke of their determination to give Adele the best life possible after her diagnosis. The inquest is scheduled to resume at a later date.
Questions this report answers
01What was the suggested cause of death for Adele Tajudeen?
An inquest heard that aspiration pneumonia was a suggested cause of death for five-year-old Adele Tajudeen. This condition is associated with cerebral palsy. However, the final cause of death has not yet been determined as the inquest is ongoing.
02Why did Adele Tajudeen receive a blood transfusion against her parents' wishes?
Adele Tajudeen received a blood transfusion in early 2025 after a court ruled that doctors could proceed with the procedure despite her parents' objections. The family, who are Jehovah's Witnesses, historically do not accept blood transfusions.
03When did Adele Tajudeen die and what was her age?
Adele Tajudeen died in May 2025 at the age of five. She was born on Christmas Day in 2019. Her mother described her as 'a shining light, a precious gift, a lasting legacy'.
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