Frozen burgers lead to unexpected death of stroke survivor

A man from Powys, Wales, accidentally stabbed himself to death while attempting to separate frozen burgers in his kitchen. The accidental stabbing, which claimed the life of Barry Griffiths, 57, occurred in July 2023. 

The details of this cooking mishap came to light during a recent court hearing, as reported by the Western Telegraph. Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees provided insight into the frozen burger accident, which resulted in a fatal kitchen knife incident.

DCI Rees stated that officers found Griffiths' body at his home while conducting a welfare check. When officials arrived at the site, they discovered blood all over the bedroom and kitchen. Investigators found Griffiths fully dressed on his bed, with his personal items like his computer, wallet, and phone undisturbed.

"The bottom drawer of the freezer had been left open and pulled forward in a position to access food items," DCI Rees stated. "On the work surface in the kitchen adjacent to the fridge-freezer were two uncooked burgers, a knife, and a tea towel."

The positioning of these items led investigators to piece together the sequence of events. DCI Rees explained, "The wound to the abdomen would have been approximately the height of the work surface. My hypothesis at that stage was that Mr. Griffiths was attempting to separate frozen burgers using a knife."

Griffiths had limited use of one arm due to a previous stroke, which may have contributed to the accident. The medical examiner ultimately ruled the death accidental, dismissing the possibility of suicide.

Griffiths, described by those who knew him as "very private," had been deceased for several days before the discovery.