Dad choked after taking prescription medication
A beloved dad died shortly after taking prescription drugs and being sick an inquest heard.
Father-of-one Carlo Collins died on the morning of Saturday March 11, at his home in Middlesex Road, Shepway.
The hearing into his death started on Wednesday May 31, but was adjourned after the 46-year-old’s family requested further medical evidence.
The inquest resumed on Monday at Maidstone’s Archbishop’s Palace. Evidence was given by Dr Mark Howard, who carried out the post-mortem.
The cause of death was given as inhalation of gastric contents due to the presence of various medications.
The court heard Mr Collins had taken sleeping pills, an antidepressant and a painkiller. The painkiller levels in the 46-yearold’s blood were three times higher than that expected for prescribed pain relief.
The hearing was told that these medications can affect the respiratory system and the gag reflex.
Dr Howard found fluid in Mr Collins’ lungs during the postmortem, and said he believed the 46-year-old had inhaled his vomit. He said it was likely Mr Collins was unconscious and had died shortly afterwards.
It was also detailed Mr Collins had been feeling depressed in the months before his death due to the loss of his father, mother, and sister.
His sister had died from cancer just two weeks before Mr Collins passed away. The family were adamant, however, he did not wish to end his life.
Jennifer Smith, Mr Collins’ sister, said: “He would never do that. He loved his son and had too much going on in his life.”
Senior coroner for Mid-Kent and Medway Patricia Harding gave a verdict of misadventure.
She said: “It was not his intention to end his life.”