An inquest has determined that Lady Joan Branson's death from a pulmonary embolism on November 24, 2025, could have been prevented. The 80-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest caused by a sudden blockage in her lung, believed to have resulted from deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). Lady Branson had been admitted to hospital following fractures to her pelvis and hip sustained in a fall. Despite a documented history of blood clots and being at very high risk of DVT, she was not given anticoagulant medication or compression stockings within the first 48 hours of her admission, oversights noted by the coroner.
Dr. Basir Kunduzi, the lead doctor on her case, admitted he should have prescribed anticoagulants sooner. He explained that he had delayed the medication until after a CT scan to rule out internal bleeding, but expressed that the decision would haunt him. Lady Branson's daughter, Dr. Holly Branson, confirmed in an email to the court that her mother, who had a history of blood clots dating back over a decade, would not have refused anticoagulants if offered.
Blood clots are a natural bodily function to prevent excessive bleeding, but they can become dangerous when they impede blood circulation. DVT, a common and potentially life-threatening condition, affects an estimated 60,000 people annually in the UK. When a DVT clot travels to the lungs, it can cut off oxygen and blood supply, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. It is estimated that up to a third of DVT cases go undiagnosed, as symptoms are often mistaken for other ailments or are absent.
Risk factors for DVT include age, certain medical conditions such as cancer, obesity, smoking, hormone replacement therapy, and combined contraceptive pills. High blood sugar and cholesterol levels associated with uncontrolled diabetes can also damage blood vessels and promote clotting. Women are at a significantly higher risk during pregnancy and for six weeks postpartum. Prolonged immobility, such as during long-distance travel exceeding four to six hours, also increases the risk.
The NHS outlines four key warning signs of DVT: throbbing pain, typically in the calf or thigh; swelling; red or darkened skin around the painful area; and swollen veins. These symptoms can also manifest in the arm. In rare cases, lower abdominal pain may be the only symptom. If DVT symptoms are accompanied by shortness of breath and chest pain, it constitutes a medical emergency requiring immediate A&E treatment.
To mitigate the risk of DVT, lifestyle changes are recommended, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, taking hourly breaks to stand during periods of immobility, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking. For those undertaking long journeys, wearing loose clothing, compression socks, and minimizing prolonged sitting are advised. Healthcare providers are expected to assess patients for DVT risk, with high-risk individuals potentially receiving preventative treatments like blood-thinning medications, often taken for at least three months.
Sir Richard Branson described his wife as his "best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world" in a social media tribute. Lady Branson's death underscores the critical importance of recognizing DVT symptoms and adhering to preventative medical protocols for at-risk individuals. DVT is considered a leading cause of preventable hospital deaths and disability, with as many as one in four deaths linked to blood clots.