The applicant's husband died of a fatal arrhythmia shortly after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
The respondent insurer denied death and funeral benefits, arguing that the deceased's pre-existing coronary artery disease would have inevitably caused a fatal cardiac event independent of the accident.
The Tribunal applied the purpose and causation tests, finding that the stress of the accident triggered myocardial ischemia and a fatal arrhythmia.
The Tribunal preferred the evidence of the applicant's expert cardiologist over the respondent's expert, concluding that the accident was the direct cause of the death.
The applicant and her children were awarded death benefits, funeral benefits, and interest on overdue amounts.
No costs were awarded.
