// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
We live with a 'heavy heart' knowing my brother's death was preventable
Lee's father Colum and sister Colleen made four 999 calls after Lee experienced breathing problems
The sister of a man who died after waiting hours for an ambulance has said his family lives every day with a "heavy heart" in the knowledge that his death was preventable.
Lee Gannon died at the Royal Victoria Hospital in February 2022 after experiencing breathing problems at his home in Belfast. A post-mortem examination found he died from lobar pneumonia - a severe bacterial infection.
The 25-year-old's family called an ambulance but the call was not deemed as a Category 1 emergency and Lee did not reach hospital for almost four hours after the initial 999 call.
Delivering the inquest verdict, the coroner said the delay "materially contributed to his premature death".
Colleen said her brother was "not just a name" or a number or a recorded call by the ambulance service but a much-loved brother and son who was kind, humorous and deeply cherished.
"I stand here today with a heavy heart, I will struggle to find the words to express the pain and devastation that our family has endured."
Colleen added that after Lee's death their mother died and said she can not explain the "pain" the effects the inquest had on her.
"Five years on we are still here and we are still grieving.
"Lee should still be here, our mum should still be here."