Inquest Rules Hollyoaks Actor Paul Danan’s Death Due to Drug Combinations
The reality star was found dead at his Bristol home in January whilst aged 46.
According to the inquest’s opening statement, the deceased was a reality TV star and actor from Hollyoaks who died at his residence in Bristol from the combined effects of substances including heroin and cocaine.
The 46-year-old actor who played Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap opera from 1997 to 2001 gained fame for his appearances in reality TV shows like Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island.
Police were called to a residence in Brislington, Bristol on January 15, where paramedics pronounced Danan dead.
On Tuesday, Maria Voisin, Avon senior coroner, presided over the opening and adjournment of an inquest into Danan’s death held at the Avon coroner court.
Alexis Camp, the coroner’s officer, told the hearing that Melissa Crooks, Danan’s partner, was the one that identified him dead at the scene.
“The situation is that Mr. Danan was discovered unconscious at his residence,” stated Camp. Emergency personnel confirmed his death, considered to be ‘untimely’; specimens were taken out for further examination following the postmortem.”
“I do understand that there are no family-related issues,” he continued. “There was no note left.”
According to the court, the death of Danan was likely caused by combined toxicity involving heroin, heroin substitution methadone, codeine, cocaine, various anti-anxiety medications made by the brand name pregabalin, sleep medications known as zopiclone, and diazepam benzodiazepines.
Danan had been battling drug addiction for years, claiming to have spent almost £1 million on treatment. He had been homeless for a while after a COVID-19-related relapse before going into rehab in the Cotswolds.
He had been accused of possession of cocaine and cannabis and was to appear for a plea hearing on Thursday in Warrington magistrates court.
He was also charged with drug-driving in Warrington, Cheshire, on October 2, 2018.
Inquiries are being made with the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, with statements to be taken from Danan’s GP, family members, police, and the ambulance service. The hearing heard.
The coroner has scheduled a full inquest hearing provisionally for May 28.
