Lavinia England, 46, died from misadventure due to a mix of prescribed drugs, an inquest concluded. She had a history of substance abuse.
Her son, Dillon, found her slumped over while she was watching dogs at his Padiham home. He had just returned from a family vacation. Several prescription drugs were in the room.
The coroner, Kate Bissett, spoke in court. People thought she choked on food, as her lips looked blue; however, paramedics couldn’t fully examine her.
Dillon stated his mom’s life was hard, and substance abuse was a big problem. In 2019, things got worse, and she used crack and heroin daily.
Dillon said she relapsed twice in four years and admitted to taking crack cocaine. She had pneumonia twice in one year and wouldn’t quit smoking, he noted. There were unfixed mold problems at her home.
Dr. Raab from Sheffield University made a report that showed methadone in her system. She also had paracetamol, diazepam, and codeine. The levels of those drugs were normal, however, other drugs may have increased the methadone’s effect.
Dr. Fourie from Witton Medical Centre also reported that Lavinia had a chest infection plus chronic pain.
Jeffery Austin works for Delphi Group and Spark Service, and they gave Lavinia drug and alcohol treatment from 2022. At her death, she got methadone weekly only.
Jeffery stated she stopped using heroin in July 2024 and also deleted drug dealer numbers. Her last contact with them was in August.
Her practitioner read a statement that she lived in a hostel where she rebuilt her life with family. She felt much better moving to a new flat and welcomed the practitioner to her home. Also, she reduced her illegal drug use.
She enjoyed spending time with Dillon and really loved being with her grandkids.
Lavinia died on September 15 at a property on Lawrence Street in Padiham.
Ms. Bissett gave her conclusion that Lavinia made real progress and services were helping her a lot. That was very admirable of her; she worked hard for her family.
She didn’t die from illegal drugs, but the mix of prescribed drugs was too much. She didn’t mean to take her own life, but she felt unwell and took medicine to feel better.
Ms. Bissett ruled her death a misadventure.