Heatstroke death at Forest Lodge care home prompts inquest
Zola Bitshuangu died after being left in the garden of the Romford Road facility on 26 May 2026; an inquest began on 10 September 2026 under Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine.
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A 48‑year‑old resident of Forest Lodge care home died on 26 May 2026 after staff left him unattended in the facility’s rear garden during a record‑breaking heatwave. The man, Zola Bitshuangu, was found unresponsive by carers and later pronounced dead at 5.30 pm after being taken to hospital.
Forest Lodge is situated at 240 Romford Road, Forest Gate, and is run by the private provider Bramley Health. The Care Quality Commission holds a licence for the home and will act as an interested person in the forthcoming legal proceedings.
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Inquest opened
The inquest began on 10 September 2026 at East London Coroner's Court. Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine presided and described the case as a matter of concern for the quality of care delivered at the home. He noted that Mr Bitshuangu’s body temperature was recorded at 42 °C when staff discovered him.
It is imperative that I open an inquest into how this vulnerable man was allowed to become hyperthermic and subsequently pass away.
Graeme Irvine, Senior Coroner
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The coroner has ordered the manager of Forest Lodge to provide a written statement and a roster of all staff who were on duty on 24 May, the day the temperature rose above 30 °C in east London. Those documents will help determine why the resident was left outside in extreme heat.
Family members of Mr Bitshuangu have been granted interested‑person status, allowing them to view evidence before the final inquest and to question witnesses. The CQC will also receive the same status, enabling it to monitor the investigation and, if necessary, take regulatory action.
Bramley Health has not yet issued a public comment. The next step in the legal process is a full hearing, during which the coroner will hear evidence from the care home staff, medical experts and the family. A verdict will be delivered after the hearing, which could lead to recommendations for the provider or further regulatory scrutiny.
Questions this report answers
+How did Zola Bitshuangu die?
He suffered heatstroke after being left unattended in the rear garden of Forest Lodge care home on 24 May, was found unresponsive with a body temperature of 42 °C, and died in hospital on 26 May 2026.
+Who is conducting the inquest and when did it start?
Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine is leading the inquest, which opened at East London Coroner's Court on 10 September 2026. The coroner will hear evidence from staff, medical experts and the family before delivering a verdict.
+What must the care home do now?
Bramley Health must supply a written statement and a list of all staff on duty on the day of the incident. The CQC, as an interested person, will review the evidence and may take regulatory action after the inquest.
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