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Folkestone dad died of heart attack after stag do in Dover

A father-of-five died of a cocaine-induced heart attack shortly after attending a stag do, an inquest has heard.

Adrian Mynard, 48, was found dead outside a friend's house in Ewell Minnis, Dover, on the morning of August 18 last year.

The inquest took place at Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone
The inquest took place at Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone

Mr Mynard, who lived in Bouverie Road West, Folkestone, had gone to collect some wages from a friend for whom he had completed work, before being encouraged to remain at the stag party at the house.

The following morning, the painter-decorator was found unresponsive on the ground outside the house by a friend.

Police and ambulance services attended, but he was declared dead at the scene.

Witnesses informed investigating officer Detective Sergeant Martin Williams there had been cocaine in use at the party, and that Mr Mynard had taken the drug before.

A post-mortem report showed a quantity of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in his system.

'Everyone found him very amusing in the best way, he was entertaining them...'- DS Martin Williams

It is not certain whether or not he took the cocaine before or during the party, but it is thought he suffered a myocardial infarction because of the drugs.

The coroner's court at Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone, heard how Mr Mynard appeared to be in good spirits during the party, and had been entertaining guests.

Giving evidence, DS Williams said: "According to various witness accounts, he seemed as happy as everyone else.

"Everyone found him very amusing in the best way, he was entertaining them and there was mention of him doing one-armed press-ups.

"He had certainly been exerting himself during the night."

Police and ambulance services attended the scene. Stock picture
Police and ambulance services attended the scene. Stock picture

Mr Mynard was generally thought to be in good health, the only exception being a cough with shortness of breath, for which he had been seen to use an inhaler.

The consultant pathologist's statement, read by area coroner Katrina Hepburn, said it was 'highly likely' cocaine contributed to the heart attack that ended Mr Mynard's life.

Ms Hepburn said: "It is not possible to say for certain that Mr Mynard took the cocaine at the party, but it was definitely that night, and that caused the heart attack.

"Given the evidence in front of me, I will be listing his death as caused by a myocardial infarction, induced by cocaine use.

"As such, I am declaring this a drug-related death.

"To family members, I would like to pass on my condolences for what I am sure was the most unexpected loss of this young man."

For more information on why we cover inquests, click here.

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