Man Found Dead in Barrow After Accidental Drug Overdose

A 31-year-old man was found dead at supported accommodation in Barrow two days after his relationship ended, an inquest has heard.

Adam Taylor, who was originally from Huddersfield but was living in Barrow at the time, died following an accidental overdose of drugs.

Assistant Coroner for Cumbria Dr Nicholas Shaw concluded that Mr Taylor’s death was drug-related and accidental. The inquest heard there was no evidence that another person had been involved.

Former Partner Found Him at Barrow Property

Cumbria Police were informed of Mr Taylor’s sudden death at 1.57pm on May 26.

His former partner had gone to the property to check on him after receiving no response. She entered through the unlocked front door, called out for him and later found him unresponsive on his bed.

Emergency services were then contacted.

Detective Inspector Michael Kirkham was among the police officers who attended. He told the inquest that a neighbour had reported seeing Mr Taylor the previous day.

Officers found drug-related items inside the property. There were no apparent injuries or bruising on Mr Taylor’s body, and police found nothing to suggest that a third party had been involved.

Relationship Ended After Return to Drug Use

The hearing was told that Mr Taylor had recently started using drugs again.

His partner, who was expecting a child, decided that he could no longer be around her or the baby while taking drugs. Their relationship ended two days before his death.

Mr Taylor’s aunt, Rebecca Hall, told the inquest that he had experienced difficulties throughout his childhood and became involved with drugs at an early age.

However, she said the prospect of becoming a father appeared to have helped him begin getting his life back on track.

She said: “Adam had a troubled life and childhood, and he got through life as well as he could.”

Coroner Records Accidental Death

Dr Shaw found no evidence of a disease that had contributed to Mr Taylor’s death.

He concluded that the drugs had suppressed Mr Taylor’s breathing after he fell asleep, resulting in an accidental overdose.

The coroner described Mr Taylor as someone who had “slipped through the net”.

Free and confidential help with drug use is available through the NHS addiction support guide. Anyone needing urgent support can also contact their GP or call NHS 111.