Chef Adam Owen, 38, former Browns chef, passed away from alcohol intoxication.
He was a chef from Oxford. Another chef’s inquest happened this month too. Adam was living in housing after being homeless. Homeless Oxfordshire was helping him.
A doctor did an examination after he died. The doctor was Professor Ian Roberts. He said alcohol intoxication caused the death. They found no recent breaks or heart issues. High alcohol levels existed in his body.
The coroner, Nicholas Graham, read a statement. Adam’s mom, Jill Jones, wrote the statement. She said Adam lived life his own way. They were very close with each other. She enjoyed reading bedtime stories to him.
Adam started as a chef at Browns. It was on Woodstock Road, his mom said. He then worked at Brasenose College. After that, he was based at the Lamb Tavern. His mom stated he was a good worker, but his drinking made him unreliable. He then became homeless and even lived in a canal boat.
His mom said support workers changed often after he moved to Divinity Road. She noted that in 2023, he seemed to control his drinking, but he started drinking heavily again in 2024. She noticed his change when he drank spirits. He started to ask for large sums of money.
She felt relief that they found no drugs. She said he was funny and well-liked. He was gentle and had a good sense of humor.
Elizabeth Mills, his neighbor, last saw him alive on September 2nd. She thought he had a black eye. She contacted Homeless Oxfordshire about him. Support workers checked on him the next day and unfortunately discovered him deceased.
The coroner ruled it as alcohol related, stating Adam died at his home from consuming too much alcohol. The coroner then gave his condolences.
After the inquest, his mom shared a message dedicated to Adam. She stated, “Rest in peace sweetheart.” She called him a loving person, a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and good friend.