Inquest into death of five-year-old Rozalia Spadafora to start in late 2023

Rozalia Spadafora died at the Canberra Hospital on 5 July, 2022. Photo: Supplied.

Hearings for the inquest into the death of five-year-old Rozalia Spadafora will start later this year, a court has heard.

Rozalia died at the Canberra Hospital on 5 July, 2022, the day after her fifth birthday. Her parents were told she died from a heart condition named myocarditis as a result of her influenza A infection.

A directions hearing for the inquest into her death was held in the ACT Coroner’s Court on Friday (3 March), ending with Coroner Ken Archer setting hearing dates from 25-31 October and 4-8 December.

He said the court wanted to hold the hearings this year, but for that to happen, the evidence needed to be made available as quickly as possible.

The timetable for the proceedings was agreed to and all the parties involved were on notice that the court was resolved to adhere to it, he said.

While the expert witnesses required for the inquest had not yet been identified, counsel assisting, Michael Fordham SC, said the three areas of expertise that appeared to be relevant on the currently available evidence were an emergency physician, an infectious diseases expert and a cardiologist.

Rozalia’s mother Katrina Spadafora, who was present in court, has previously talked about her “queen of the house”.

“Her wish was everyone’s command,” Katrina said.

“She was so fun, so energetic, she loved football … she just had a special connection with everybody.”

Another directions hearing will be held on 21 April to monitor the progress of the matter.