Man found dead at his home after taking painkillers

AMAN was found dead at home after taking an accidental overdose of over-thecounter painkillers.

Jonathan James Attwood was found dead by police at his home in Queen Street, Great Harwood, on December 5 last year after his family had reported concerns for his welfare.

An inquest at Accrington Town Hall on Monday heard the 28-year-old had lived alone for the previous six months.

Area Coroner Richard Taylor said: “He had undergone investigations for seizures and had a minor operation on October 31; he had complained of pain in relation to that.

“He was last seen on December 3 at his parents’ home; they had no concerns in relation to his health or mood.

“Relatives became concerned on December 5 when they hadn’t heard from him and weren’t able to contact him. Police attended and he was found unresponsive.

“There were a number of empty blister packs next to him.”

A post mortem CT scan found there was no natural cause of death but a toxicology report revealed several different painkillers in Mr Attwood’s system.

“The toxicologist said all of these medications can combine to increase the effects of morphine,” the coroner said.

The medical cause of death was given as drug toxicity which resulted in respiratory depression.

Mr Attwood’s GP Dr Tyaji said although there was evidence of a tramadol overdose in March 2020 there was no other history of self-harm or overdose.

In a statement to police Mr Attwood’s father James said he had been concerned his son was using over-the-counter painkillers.

“It would appear from the information police had obtained that he was using painkilling medication which seemed to be over-the-counter medication but on this occasion it seems that the amount he had taken led to respiratory depression and death,” the coroner said.

“There is no evidence to suggest he intended to end his own life. There is evidence he had been in pain and he was taking painkilling medication.

“On this occasion it would seem he took more than he could tolerate.”

Mr Taylor gave a conclusion of misadventure.