The parents of three-year-old Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee were left devastated and angry after learning that their daughter’s death from a rare muscle disorder could likely have been prevented. Ryleigh suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes rapid muscle breakdown and affects only about one in 200,000 people in the UK. After spending five days at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, she was discharged despite showing clear warning signs. According to coroner Alan Wilson, doctors failed to recognize “red flags,” including her lack of mobility and abnormal blood results. Tests revealed extraordinarily high levels of creatine kinase, often associated with serious muscle injury or disease, yet her symptoms were attributed to a chest infection or hepatitis. Ryleigh was described as slow, floppy, and lethargic—signs that should have prompted deeper investigation.

Three months later, Ryleigh died from complications related to the undiagnosed condition. The coroner has since requested evidence from clinicians involved in her care at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, raising serious concerns about missed opportunities for specialist referral. Medical negligence lawyer Diane Rostron stated that the hospital had been clearly advised to seek input from a neuromuscular specialist. Had this guidance been followed, she said, Ryleigh’s condition could have been diagnosed, allowing her family to explore treatment options that may have saved her life. Ryleigh’s case has now become a painful reminder of the consequences of overlooked symptoms and delayed specialist care. Her family hopes that by sharing her story, awareness can be raised and similar tragedies prevented.