Coroner in Amy Winehouse Death Resigns
The coroner who was in charge of the inquest into the death of soul singer, Amy Winehouse, has resigned.
Suzanne Greenaway had originally ruled, in October, that the death of Winehouse was caused by alcohol poisoning, according to USA Today.
She delivered a verdict of "death by misadventure," claiming the soul singer suffered accidental alcohol poisoning from resuming drinking after a week of sobriety.
However, after a discovery that Greenaway didn't meet the qualifications to hold her position, a new investigation into Winehouse's death may be necessary.
Winehouse's relatives said they are currently seeking legal advice and considering the implications of the news.
Greenaway had been appointed an assistant deputy coroner in London in 2009 by her husband, Andrew Reid. But authorities learned that she had not been a registered lawyer for five years in the U.K., which is requirement for coroners.
Reid said he believed his wife, who practiced law in Australia, had the necessary experience to meet the requirements, according to The Associated Press.
"In November of last year it became apparent that I had made an error in the appointment process and I accepted her resignation," Reid said.
He also said that he feels confident that the 12 inquests that Greenaway oversaw were done correctly. Reid also offered to hold those inquests over again if the families of the deceased requested it.
The Camden Council said they were confident that Reid "had made an error in good faith" when he appointed his wife. Britain's Office for Judicial Complaints said they will investigate the matter.
The Winehouse family has not yet decided if they want Winehouse's death to be re-examined. They released a statement saying that they're taking advice on the implications of this and will decide if any further discussion with the authorities is needed.
Amy Winehouse's inquest could be declared invalid if her family challenges the verdict in court, but her father, Mitch Winehouse, indicates that it won't happen. He downplayed the situation, speaking on Twitter on Wednesday.
"Don't worry about the coroner nonsense. We are all OK," Winehouse tweeted.
