Heart attack kills DJ after diabetes denial (From Surrey Comet)
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Heart attack kills Morden DJ after diabetes denial
8:30am Friday 10th February 2012 in Wimbledon By Alexandra Rucki
A 32-year-old radio DJ died of a cardiac arrest because he was in denial he was diabetic, an inquest heard.
Cyril 'Big Pappi' Msamati, of Canterbury Road, Morden, suffered from the condition since he was 16, but often neglected to take his medication, the court heard.
Westminster Coroner’s Court heard his friend Lesley Fevrier found him lying on his bed on October 14 last year.
He called paramedics, but told them not to bring any equipment as he appeared to have been dead for some time.
A doctor’s report found his blood sugar levels were dangerously high because he was not taking his insulin injections.
Mr Msamati, who also worked as a health care worker in New Addington, was in denial he was diabetic and was receiving help from a psychiatrist to deal with it.
The court heard he was a heavy drinker and liked going out, but developed abscesses and problems with his sight because of his lifestyle choices.
On earlier occasions, he was admitted to hospital close to dying because of hypoglycaemic attacks.
Doctor Steve Hyer his diabetic doctor, said: “His head and his heart were saying different things, and sometimes his heart ruled and he thought there was no point.
“From time to time he could not deal with it.”
Coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said the death was not suspicious and recorded a death of natural causes.
She said: “For a young man this is a difficult situation to deal with. It is clear he was well aware of what he was doing.”
Brother Lucian Msamati said his death came as a shock to the family, who still cannot bring themselves to delete his number off their mobile phones.
He said: “He loved going out – he was a party animal. He was on the radio and a socialite.
“He was good with children, and would never hold a grudge against anyone.”
He added his brother’s funeral in Clapham Junction last year was attended by hundreds, with friends travelling from Canada and Tanzania to say goodbye.
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