Man found dead near Abingdon had taken drug overdose

Edward Leeson from West Challow near Wantage died on November 22 last year in Colletts Yard on Thrupp Lane in Radley.

He was found dead at around 5pm after a friend reported hearing ‘breathing noises’ coming from his mobile home at 9.30am.

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Mr Leeson’s cause of death following a postmortem was given as multidrug toxicity, the inquest held at Oxford Coroner's Court was told. 

Oxford Coroner's Court where the inquest was heard (Image: Oxford Mail)

Oxfordshire’s assistant coroner, Judith Leach concluded at the inquest that the death was drug related.

She told Oxford Coroner’s Court: “On November 22, 2022, at around 5pm, Edward was found deceased in his mobile home in Radley where he was residing temporarily.

“Edward was last seen on Monday, November 21.

“At approximately 9.30am on November 22, a friend reported to hear breathing noises coming from the mobile home.

“Edward had a history of heavy alcohol consumption and recreational drug use.

“Edward had longstanding COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) treated with inhalers and he also suffered from anxiety treated by his GP.

“Post-mortem toxicology confirmed the presence of prescribed medication and evidence of recent multiple recreational drug use which, in combination, had the potential to cause respiratory depression.

“There was no alcohol present.”