Lady Joan Sarah Drummond Branson, wife of Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, died at age 80 from a "massive" blood clot after doctors allegedly failed to prescribe preventative medication, an inquest heard.
Lady Branson passed away on November 24, 2025, at a London hospital following complications from a back injury sustained in a fall at the family's Necker Island home. She had tripped over slippers by her bed, resulting in fractures to her pelvis and right hip, diagnosed in the British Virgin Islands.
Upon returning to London, Lady Branson was admitted to Lister Hospital on November 17, 2025, due to persistent pain following the fall. She had a history of blood clots dating back to 2010 and had previously received anti-blood clotting injections when flying and during hospital stays.
However, the Inner West London Coroner's Court was informed that the mother-of-three was not offered these injections at the hospital despite her medical history. Dr. Holly Branson, one of Lady Branson's children and a former hospital worker, stated in an email to the court that she did not accept her mother refused the medication. Dr. Branson indicated her mother was accustomed to and never had difficulty with anti-coagulant injections, using them extensively during travel and previous hospital admissions.
Dr. Holly Branson added that Enoxaparin, the anti-blood clotting drug, was never offered during the first two days of her mother's hospital stay. She also claimed her mother was not given anti-clot stockings for up to 48 hours after admission, which was rectified after she inquired with nurses.
Dr. Basir Kunduzi, who was on duty at Lister Hospital, testified that he believed Lady Branson should have been prescribed an anti-coagulant injection but delayed it pending a CT scan due to a perceived bleeding risk from her recent mobilization after the fall. He acknowledged it was his responsibility to prescribe the drugs and that communication between team members has since been improved.
Dr. Nevil Pavithran, who took over Lady Branson's care, stated that she should have received anti-coagulants within 12 hours of admission and that there was no bleeding risk associated with the drugs at that time.
Dr. Ben Thomas, a consultant anaesthetist, recalled asking Lady Branson if she was on blood thinners on November 19, as he was considering a spinal injection. She reportedly denied being on blood thinners, stating she avoided them due to bruising but took them for flights. Dr. Thomas later communicated with a colleague about the case, expressing regret for not inquiring further.
Dr. Inaki Bovill, a consultant, stated he was aware of Lady Branson's fall and that she had a filter in her vena cava to prevent blood clots. He admitted that a Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) assessment should have been carried out and clot-busting drugs prescribed upon her admission on November 17, calling it a regret that it was not identified.
Dr. Bovill also noted that the hospital was in the process of adopting a new electronic drug prescribing system, Expanse, which may have contributed to the oversight. He accepted ultimate responsibility as a consultant for ensuring the VTE assessment and prescription occurred.
Family members described Lady Branson in a statement read at the inquest as a "deeply loved wife, mother, grandmother and friend," known for her warmth, kindness, and compassion. They highlighted her central role in creating a loving family environment and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Sir Richard Branson had previously described his wife as the "most wonderful mum and grandmum" on Instagram after her death. The inquest is ongoing.