An inquest concluded Owyn Randall’s death in Swindon was drug-related, caused by cardiac arrhythmia due to cocaine toxicity.
An inquest into Owyn’s death took place on February 14 at Swindon Coroners Court. The inquest concluded that cocaine use played a role in his death.
Owyn’s partner found him unresponsive around 7:40 AM and could not wake him. She then called a friend for help, but the friend also could not wake him, so they called for emergency help. Paramedics arrived at the house and confirmed Owyn had died.
Owyn’s mother gave a statement, explaining that he often visited his partner of eighteen months and that he had been trying to quit drugs. She stated Owyn left her house on June 23 to see his partner that night, took Viagra, and smoked crack before going to bed.
His partner also gave a statement, noting that he had lung pain and tried to stop vaping and drugs. She recalled a former coworker telling her that Owyn had collapsed at work before due to chest pain.
The ambulance service reported receiving a call at 8:17 AM on June 24 and arriving quickly at 8:19 AM. Paramedics reached Owyn by 8:21 AM and confirmed his death at 8:25 AM.
A toxicology report revealed evidence of recent cocaine use. However, the amount was lower than a fatal dose.
Dr. Garvey stated that Owyn used cocaine regularly, as confirmed by the autopsy. He likely died from arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat caused by the cocaine use.
Turning Point, a drug and alcohol charity, knew Owyn as he was briefly open to their help in February 2021, but he didn’t attend his assessment. Owyn also contacted mental health services in August 2023 and understood his mental health issues, but no further help seemed needed.
A police officer stated that there was nothing suspicious about the death and noted that Owyn had a bad cough, according to family, for which he did not seek medical care. His doctor’s office reported that Owyn had no prior medical history, last seeing a doctor in 2016 to report a low mood and declining support at that time.
The coroner, Ian Singleton, concluded the inquest, stating the death was drug-related, caused by cardiac arrhythmia due to cocaine toxicity. Coroner Singleton added that there was no sign of suicide, indicating Owyn didn’t want to end his own life.