Simon Vince-Bundy, 52, died from acute alcohol toxicity. Family seeks better alcoholism support after his death.
He used to manage content at Sky. Vincey lived in Wycombe his entire life. The inquest said his death came from alcohol. It was acute alcohol toxicity, they said.
The coroner heard the toxicological report. It showed much alcohol in Vincey’s blood. Crispin Giles Butler spoke at the inquest. It took place at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court.
The coroner thought Vincey died peacefully. The alcohol level in his body was toxic. Police found a vodka bottle in the room, half empty on a table. No one suspected foul play regarding his death. He did not seem suicidal either.
Vincey’s family wants better alcoholism support. They said this at the inquest, following the coroner’s ruling. They felt more help could have been offered.
His dad, John, said alcohol was too easy to get. This happened after Vincey collapsed in July, while in the hospital. John was shocked by the hospital’s actions. Vincey could take a taxi to local shops, encouraging temptation, according to his father.
One Recovery Bucks aided Vincey well. But his hospital stay lowered his tolerance. After the hospital, he booked the Wendover Arms. CCTV saw him alive at the hotel last.
He missed his check-out time at the hotel. A cleaner found him dead after checkout. Vincey’s mother, Judy, thinks alcoholism is a big issue. Society does not understand it well. She believes it is finally coming into the light.
Sara, his former partner, was at court. She said all his family loved him. She described him as kind and beautiful.
Alexandra Horler, his sister, also spoke. She arranged a meeting with Emma Reynolds MP. They want to discuss family alcoholism support. She hopes other families will find help. They should not suffer like her family did.
The family complained to police in court. Police did not check Vincey’s phone. They thought it could have held evidence, possibly showing what was happening to him. Alexandra told the Bucks Free Press about care gaps. This affects those battling alcoholism, like her brother.
He lived with his parents after a breakup. Yet, his parents lacked a path to get him medical help. She found it tough to secure help for Simon. Patient confidentiality laws hindered them. Families should get assistance for a very sick member.
He wasn’t with his closest family during the illness. The family thinks this raised hurdles in helping him. Alexandra and Ian tried helping her family. But their cries seemed unheard. Government rules may have caused this situation.
She claimed the government needs to spend more towards helping alcoholics recover. She wanted better day centers and more staff. Psychiatric help matters, too. Families need support for loved ones fighting alcoholism. She wants to call this support system “Simon’s Steps.”
Judy and John also struggled to get needed support. They felt this when explaining his collapse. He spoke clearly during the ambulance call. The handler decided he did not need assistance.
Judy said they felt helpless and uninformed. They could not get any help for their sick son. Alexandra said Simon was very loved by all. His friends and family will miss him dearly.