Undiagnosed allergy killed retired US Air Force colonel living in England, report concludes

RAF LAKENHEATH, England — An 89-year-old former U.S. Air Force officer who died after being given antibiotics at the Lakenheath base hospital suffered a fatal allergic reaction to the medication, a recently completed inquest determined. 

The findings in the death of retired Col. James Kitner McLees were announced last week by senior Suffolk coroner Nigel Parsley and reported Wednesday by local news outlets. Parsley ruled that McLees’ death in September 2023 was due to anaphylaxis.

McLees lived in the town of Brandon, a 15-minute drive from the base. He died shortly after a Sept. 21 hospital visit for a routine catheter removal, news reports said.

He was under the care of the 48th Medical Group, which offers primary and specialty health services to over 35,000 eligible beneficiaries, according to the unit’s website.

As a precaution against contracting a possible infection, he was prescribed Bactrim, which can be used to treat bacterial infections, according to local news outlets.

Roughly four hours after taking his first dose, he developed symptoms that included an itchy rash and shortness of breath, the East Anglian Times reported. McLees had a history of allergic reactions to other medications but not to Bactrim, the newspaper said.

He returned to the base hospital and sought urgent care. Staff immediately began the anaphylaxis protocol, administering adrenaline injections, antihistamines intravenous fluids, according to the Thetford and Brandon Times.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens rapidly. It can be caused by food, medicine or even insect stings. 

McLee was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he arrived critically ill. Less than 24 hours after his initial visit, he died in the early hours of Sept. 22, 2023.

The inquest report made no mention of any findings regarding negligence or substandard care in McLees’ death.