Swine flu link as mother dies

A mother of three whose children were being treated for swine flu died hours after complaining of a sore throat, an inquest heard today.

Sarah Yarnold's eight-year-old daughter found her dead in her bed at their Willenhall home on Monday.

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain has ordered an investigation to determine if she was suffering from swine flu.

The hearing was told the 31-year-old had spoken to her GP on July 17 to say that her two daughters might have the virus and they were provided with Tamiflu.

Mr Balmain said: "She was spoken to by her family on July 19 and she said she had a sore throat and the following day she was found dead in bed by her eight-year-old daughter.

"The circumstances of this case whilst tragic are not suspicious and the pathologist hasn't yet been able to tell me the medical cause of death.

"It wouldn't be appropriate to jump to the conclusion that this lady had succumbed to swine flu."

An inquest in Sandwell was adjourned.

It comes as health chiefs announced another three people suffering from the virus in the West Midlands have died.

Miss Yarnold, of Longwood Rise, had given birth just three months ago. She worked at Asda in Darlaston. The father of her children, Leighton Clare, aged 30, paid tribute to Sarah.

Mr Clare, who works as a site manager for a housing company, had three girls, aged 10, eight and 14 weeks, with Miss Yarnold

He said: "I have been told they could not find a cause of death for Sarah. Two of the three children may have had swine flu. They are also testing for possible sudden death syndrome.

"I just want people to know what a good mother she was. We will always try to keep her memories alive with the children. She will never be forgotten."