Doctor names two key elements that may trigger individuals to die from a single punch

Ever been in a scrap and have been left with a sore head? Well, consider yourself lucky as just one single blow to the head could prove fatal.

That’s what happened to a ‘Russian paedo’ who was allegedly killed by a British dad with just one punch.

The incident happened in Thailand after the father reportedly spotted Igor Yasilyev ‘sexually harassing’ his 15-year-old daughter.

READ MORE: Death Row lag who drowned victim in dog bowl flexes on dating site as he looks for love

Check out the latest Exclusives from Daily Star

It’s claimed that the 34-year-old struck Yasilyev in the face just once and sent him flying headfirst to the ground below.

Despite being rushed away for medical attention, Igor died from his injuries at the Pattaya beach resort’s Bangkok Hospital outpost shortly after.

The 34-year-old British man allegedly told Thai police: “I did not think my punch would lead to the man’s death. I regret my actions.”

However, this is not a one-off case. One-punch deaths are not uncommon – like in the case of Jacob Dunne killing James Hodgkinson in 2011 with one hit ‘for no reason’.

And it was just last year when Jay Webster’s singular blow to the back of his best mate’s head proved fatal, leaving Benjamin Lloyd dead.

But, how can one single whack prove so deadly when people get in punch-ups on a daily basis? We spoke with Dr Lawrence Cunningham, who revealed that the impact and its location can be a lethal mix.

The medical professional explained: “The human body, while resilient, has vulnerabilities that can make even a single punch lethal. A critical factor is the force and location of the impact.

“A strong punch to the head, for instance, can cause the brain to move violently inside the skull, leading to traumatic brain injury or even immediate death from brain haemorrhage.

“Additionally, a punch to the neck or chest can disrupt vital functions, such as breathing or heart rhythm. These injuries can escalate quickly without immediate medical intervention.”

You might be wondering how do some of the greatest fighters on earth manage to stay standing despite getting hit by brute force in their profession.

But, as Dr. Lawrence points out, it’s all to do with the specific “vulnerable points”. Professional fighters are trained to hit properly, which lessens the risk of one mighty blow becoming deadly.

According to the expert, the temple – the sides of your forehead – are the most critical areas due to the fragility of the skull bone. Although your skull is supposed to protect all the juicy bits inside, under the temple live arteries that run blood to your brain.

However, the temple is not the only point of vulnerability. And the hit isn’t what can make the punch fatal either.

Dr Lawrence added: “Usually the impact of a punch needs to be on specific vulnerable points to be fatal. The most critical areas are the temple, the base of the skull, and the area just below the Adam’s apple in the neck.

“These locations are particularly susceptible because they protect either major blood vessels or the brain stem, which controls basic life functions.

“In many cases, it is a combination of both the punch and the subsequent impact of hitting the ground that causes fatal damage.”

“The initial punch can cause significant disorientation, loss of consciousness, or initial injury, and if the victim falls and hits their head on a hard surface, this can exacerbate the trauma, leading to fatal outcomes.”

So who is the most susceptible from a one-punch death? Those who are older in age are more vulnerable due to the fragility of their bones – meaning the skull isn’t as protective to the brain and arteries inside.

Those with certain conditions need to be extra careful too. However, if a punch makes contact with the ‘right’ spot, anyone could be victim of a one-punch death.

“Certain individuals are at higher risk of fatality from a single punch,” the doctor noted.

He continued: “Those with pre-existing medical conditions such as haemophilia or those on blood thinners can be more susceptible to internal bleeding.

“Elderly individuals or those with osteoporosis are also at higher risk due to the fragility of their bones, which can exacerbate the impact of a punch.”

Of course, it’s not just fights that can cause death from one blow. Any head trauma can prove deadly, so the doctor urges to people to wear protective gear where appropriate.

You might not want to walk around with a helmet for a night out, but when you’re partaking in certain sports then you’ll want the right headgear to lessen the risk of death from head trauma.

Dr Lawrence concluded: “Physically, protective gear such as helmets when in high-risk environments (like certain sports) can mitigate the impact of blows to critical areas of the head and neck.”