An inquest heard that a “fatal selection of drugs” was found in the body of a 40-year-old Harrogate homeless man.
Matthew Luke Chandler, a resident at Harrogate Homeless Project‘s hostel on Bower Street, was found dead by staff on August 20, 2021.
Staff grew concerned after Mr Chandler had not been seen since the previous evening. After discovering him unconscious they performed CPR but he was certified dead by paramedics at 4.40pm.
Yesterday’s inquest in Northallerton heard Mr Chandler had been homeless “most of his adult life” and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2014.
His GP said he had a history of drug misuse and had been previously referred to substance misuse services in North Yorkshire.
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Coroner John Bainbridge read evidence from the police, which found no signs of a struggle or disturbance.
The police statement added that besides pain relief medication prescribed to Mr Chandler after he broke his leg, there were no other drugs to be found in his room at the hostel.
Mr Bainbridge added Mr Chandler did not leave a note and there was no indication from friends and others living in the hostel that he was thinking of ending his life.
The coroner said he would disregard suicide as a cause of death because there was no evidence to indicate Mr Chandler intended to end his life.
Concluding the inquest, Mr Bainbridge said:
“A toxicology report found a fatal selection of drugs in Mr Chandler’s system that contributed to his death. Therefore I believe it is safe legally and scientifically to make a conclusion that his death was drug related.”
