Our newborn baby died four years ago and we still don’t know why
Four Years Later, Simpson Family Still Seeking Answers for Their Newborn's Death
Our newborn baby died four years - Conor and Kianty Simpson, residents of Lincolnshire, remain haunted by the loss of their four-day-old son, Jacob, who passed away in June 2022 after complications during his birth. Despite the passage of time, the couple has not yet scattered his ashes, as no inquest has been conducted to determine the exact cause of his death. They also lack a formal death certificate for him, leaving their grief unresolved.
The Birth and Immediate Aftermath
Jacob’s life was cut short due to a severe lack of oxygen to his brain during delivery at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and life support was discontinued days later. The coroner for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire has expressed regret over the delay in their case, labeling it a "priority" now. "It’s like taking a baby seat from your car and removing the 'baby on board' sign before driving home," Conor Simpson reflected, describing the emotional toll of the experience as "extremely traumatic."
"I’d had a really bad day at work… and all of a sudden, all those worries just vanished. The only thing I was focused on was just being a dad," Conor said, recalling the moment he first held his newborn son.
A Hidden Camera and Early Hopes
When Kianty fell pregnant while the couple was living in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Conor was stationed in west Wales with the Army. To celebrate, she secretly filmed herself giving him a box during dinner, claiming it was an early birthday gift. Inside, a note praised Conor as a "great father," accompanied by baby clothes and her positive pregnancy tests. "It felt like everything was perfect," she said, though the joy was short-lived.
Complications During Labour
On 15 June 2022, Kianty was admitted to Glangwili Hospital for an induction, but labour began naturally. Initially progressing smoothly, it slowed by the next day. "As a first-time mum, I didn’t know what to expect," she admitted. When Jacob was finally born, Conor immediately noticed something was wrong—the baby was "pale, bluish," and the resuscitation process lasted 22 minutes, a stark contrast to the anticipated celebration.
"It’s meant to be a happy moment. We were just watching him get resuscitated for 22 minutes and that was just awful," Conor recalled.
Investigation Delays and Calls for Transparency
Following the birth, the family was informed of Jacob’s critical condition and the risk of lifelong disability. Despite cooling treatment at Singleton Hospital in Swansea, he succumbed to his injuries four days later. "The staff were incredible," Kianty said, noting their efforts to comfort the family. Yet, the Simpson’s struggle continues, as Hywel Dda University Health Board halted its internal investigation in June 2024, citing the NHS Putting Things Right process.
The probe had previously identified issues like poor communication, lack of fetal monitoring, and delayed care escalation. However, the family felt the inquiry missed crucial neonatology insights, leading them to await an inquest. Sharon Daniel, the health board’s executive director, extended her condolences, stating the organization has "robust processes" for reviewing incidents and learning from them.
Admission of Negligence and Compensation Offer
In January 2026, the health board formally acknowledged negligence, admitting Jacob’s death was preventable. By February of that year, they had extended a compensation offer with a 21-day deadline, which the family declined. "Why does it have to happen to her?" Conor lamented, highlighting his ongoing emotional struggle and the couple’s difficulty in moving forward with their lives.