Police investigation launched after Wearside man's death in New York

Shaun Dobinson died after taking ill while on holiday in New York. PA Photo/thinkstockphotos.

Shaun Dobinson, 21, died on June 3 after taking ill in New York.

Washington-born Mr Dobinson had worked as a trainee maintenance technician at Grundfos in Castletown for four years before moving to another job shortly before he died.

At a short hearing at Sunderland Coroner’s Court at the Civic Centre, city coroner Derek Winter said: “The body of Shaun Dobinson was repatriated from the USA in June of this year and following inquiries it became apparent that an inquiry would form part of my investigation.

“Dr Bolton carried out a forensic post-mortem on June 9 and following her report to me on October 4, an inquest was formally opened.

“The police were invited to investigate the circumstances of Shaun Dobinson’s death.

“As a result of those inquiries it is the case that the police have requested expert evidence.

“It will not be possible for the inquest to proceed as the police inquiry is incomplete.

“Mr Dobinson’s family have been informed.”

Mr Winter added that he had decided to adjourn the inquest until April 11 next year.

“If matters are able to proceed to a full hearing then that will happen,” he said.

“Matters may have to be further adjourned though.”

Last month, the Echo reported how 50 members of staff at Grundfos, in Castletown, cycled to Beamish and back in memory of Mr Dobinson. The ride raised funds for New York’s Presbyterian Hospital, where Shaun was treated after falling ill.

Speaking at the time of the fund-raiser, Catherine Attwell, HR director at Grundfos, said: “Shaun was a very popular and hardworking member of the team, and we all wanted to do something in his memory.

“We talked to his family who suggested raising money for the Presbyterian Hospital in New York where his family said he was so well treated.

“Shaun volunteered for everything, and was a popular member of the Grundfos Olympics team and our bike ride was exactly the sort of thing he would have enjoyed.”

Michael McKenzie, production supervisor at the firm and someone who helped organise the ride, added: “Shaun was a chirpy character who got on well with everyone here.”