57-year-old man accidentally stabbed himself while trying to separate two frozen burgers with a knife

An investigation has revealed that a man accidentally stabbed himself while trying to separate two frozen burgers with a knife.

Barry Griffiths, 57, died at his home in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales, after stabbing himself in the stomach while preparing the burger dish in July last year.

His body was not discovered until several days later. Mr Griffiths was found fully clothed on his bed in his assisted living facility where he lived alone.

A trail of blood in the hallway, bathroom and bedroom initially puzzled investigators.

It was only when an autopsy revealed that Mr Griffiths, who had limited use of one arm following a stroke, had died from a stab wound that researchers were able to determine the cause of the tragedy.

Two raw burgers (not pictured above) were found on the kitchen surface next to a knife and a tea towel

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees told Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Monday: “It is my suspicion that the wound was caused by an accident involving Mr Griffiths alone.”

“The bottom drawer of the freezer had been left open and pulled forward to access the food.

“On the kitchen counter next to the fridge-freezer were two raw burgers, a knife and a tea towel.”

“The wound on the abdomen would have been approximately at the level of the work surface. My hypothesis at this point was that Mr Griffiths was trying to cut up frozen burgers with a knife.”

The inquest heard there had been concerns for Mr Griffiths' welfare after he had not been seen for over a week.

Mr Griffiths, described as a “very private man”, was found fully clothed with his mobile phone, wallet and computer lying nearby, the Western Telegraph reported.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Vaughan went to the apartment and said he was convinced his death was not a suicide but “more of an unexplained death”.

Mr Griffiths was described as a “very private” man and lived alone in his supported accommodation (pictured).

There was no evidence that he had been attacked, he said at the inquest.

Coroner Patricia Morgan concluded that Mr Griffiths most likely died in an accident while preparing frozen food for cooking.

She said: “I realise that this is a difficult and traumatic statement to hear.”

“Thank you for your patience during the investigation. I would like to express my condolences during this difficult time.”