A popular kitchen worker was found dead in a staff toilet after injecting himself with heroin, an inquest heard.
Alexis Holden, 29, of St Clement's, Oxford, died after taking a heroin overdose in the toilet of Browns Restaurant in Woodstock Road, Oxford, last October 19.
Chef Simon Hibbs, of Littlemore, said Mr Holden had popped into the restaurant to see his brother, George. At about 10.30pm, the court heard, Mr Holden's brother told Mr Hibbs that the toilet had been locked for some time. Mr Hibbs kicked down the door and found Mr Holden slumped over with a syringe beside him.
Consultant pathologist Dr Winifred Gray, based at the John Radcliffe Hospital, said the concentration of heroin found in Mr Holden's blood was above fatal levels.
Coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded a verdict of accidental death.
He said: "Mr Holden was probably not a regular heroin user. As such, he may have been at greater risk than someone who has built up greater tolerance."
Speaking after the inquest, Mr Holden's father, Herbert Holden, said: "Everybody thought of him as the life and soul of the party. He will be sadly missed."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article