Pilkington family sets record straight about doctor’s death

This is a letter from the family of Dr. Trinity Pilkington, esteemed orthopaedic surgeon of Bayhealth.

On Dec. 15, 2023, Dr. Pilkington passed away while attending an orthopaedic conference in Orlando, Fla. The Orange County, Fla., medical examiner performed a more-than-thorough autopsy examination. Further toxicology and DNA examinations/tests were performed by independent laboratories. The cause of death was from a heart attack/sudden cardiac arrhythmia with contributory obstructive pulmonary disease. A second independent pathology opinion and review was also performed by a highly ranked pathologist, who confirmed the results.

On April 15, 2024, the final certificate of death was issued by the medical examiner’s office, and that is why it has taken so long, as we wanted to extend complete transparency and thoroughness of every part of that exam.   

It has recently come to our attention that there are some very untrue, malicious and vicious rumors being disseminated within the community that Dr. Pilkington succumbed to death as a result of a drug overdose/drug abuse; however, since the autopsy was not finalized until April 15, it was not possible for anyone to have known his actual cause of death. These malicious rumors bring great sadness to his family, friends, peers and to the Bayhealth community. 

For those who may need verification of the autopsy and toxicology results, it is public information, and you may submit an online electronic request to the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office at ocsheriff.gov. Dr. Pilkington’s family will be more than glad to provide a certified copy of the autopsy and toxicology reports verifying that there were absolutely no illegal drugs nor illegal substances in his body, nor was there any indication of any illegal/illicit drug abuse.  

On a positive note, we have been immensely blessed by the kind outreach of many friends, peers and patients who knew the real Dr. Pilkington. Many have gone far beyond the call of duty and have volunteered their professional assistance and personal time to help the family with challenges associated with their loss. We are still receiving beautiful, thankful notes and cards from patients. 

For those who wish to disparage such an accomplished surgeon and member of the medical community, you must consider how such rumors can have a negative impact on the image of many great surgeons, nurses and medical professionals who serve this community. Also please consider that Dr. Pilkington’s family has suffered excruciating heartaches and pain due to the loss.  

Note: If anyone has any information regarding any business ventures that Dr. Pilkington may have been associated with, we would appreciate any information you may have.