First discretionary FAI into Covid death launched
The first discretionary fatal accident inquiry (FAI) in relation to the procurator fiscal’s ongoing investigation into Covid-related deaths has commenced with the lodging of a first notice into the death of Donald Singer.
Mr Singer, 66, a crane operator working offshore on the Ninian Southern Platform from Aberdeen, died on 4 May 2020 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The Crown Office is investigating more than 6,000 Covid-related deaths.
There have been two mandatory FAIs completed into the deaths of four men with Covid in legal custody with a further five inquiries ongoing into the deaths of eight men.
Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for the Crown Office, said: “Thousands of families lost loved ones during the pandemic, and we undertook the single most significant and challenging investigation of deaths in Scottish history.
“We remain committed to thorough, professional and independent investigations into every reported death, providing bereaved families with answers and supporting public understanding of the pandemic’s impact.
“As the first discretionary FAI, this is a milestone as we work to establish a better understanding of these deaths and inform decisions made in the future.”



