Investigation and inquest
On the 9th November 2016 an investigation was commenced into the death of Vadims ALEKSEJEVS (31). The investigation concluded by way of inquest on 1st March 2017. The medical cause of death was 1a) Synthetic cannabinoid toxicity, alcohol intoxication and hypothermia. A narrative conclusion was given as follows:-
On the balance of probability, the synthetic cannabinoid use in conjunction with alcohol are the likely causes of death, exacerbated by the outdoor location and cold temperatures. The susceptibility to hypothermia would be increased by alcohol intoxication and all three factors are likely to have been significant, probably acting together.
Circumstances of the death
The deceased had been living in a tent for about one year after having become homeless. On Tuesday 8th November 2016 he had been consuming alcohol during the course of the day. Alcohol had increasingly become a problem since he became homeless. At around 9-10pm he was seen to take 3 puffs of a rolled up cigarette, suspected to contain ‘Mamba’, a synthetic form of cannabis. The cigarette had been passed to him by a young male who also lived on the campsite. At around 8 – 8.30 am on Wednesday 9th November 2016 the deceased was found outside on a path lying face down and unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased by paramedics at 10.11am the same day. In addition to synthetic cannabinoid and alcohol, hypothermia was a significant factor.
Coroner’s concerns
1) There are “lots of people” living on this campsite. At the time of the deceased’s death there were 7 tents containing Latvian, Polish and other nationals.
2) The circumstances of this case may present themselves again over winter.
3) It is not known if adult social care or addiction services provide any form of outreach service to the homeless.
4) It is not known if the campsite houses other vulnerable individuals, such as children or the elderly.
5) It is unclear if there are any other housing options available or indeed if there is any statutory duty to house vulnerable individuals living on such campsites.