Kristiyan Petrov Danailov · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 3rd August 2018, an investigation was commenced into the death of Kristiyan Petrov Danailov, born on the 14th September 1996.

The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on the 17th September 2019.

The Medical Cause of Death was:

1a Consistent with cyanide poisoning

The conclusion of the Inquest was suicide

Mr Danailov was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. He lived on the top floor of his home address where he lived with his brother and parents. He chose to isolate himself and would occasionally socialise with the family. He had been seen by the Community Mental Health Team in 2016 but had chosen not to engage in seeking any further help which was offered to him.

On 28/7/18 he was found by his parents in his bedroom in an unresponsive state. A tub labelled “ELECTROBRIGHTENING SALTS” was found next to a cardboard delivery box. The tub had a warning on the label “Contains Cyanide, Causes death by swallowing or contact with acids”. There was a delivery note and a PRODUCT SAFETY DATA sheet stating “HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION- ACTIVE EFFECTS: Very harmful if swallowing”.

Paramedics pronounced Mr Danailov deceased at the scene and hastily withdrew in order to allow the Hazardous Area Response Team to retrieve the body. Due to the circumstances it was not possible to carry out an autopsy but analysis of a swab taken disclosed the presence of cyanide.

Dorset Police investigated and contacted the supplier of the product. The product had been bought on line and delivered to the home address. The product is used in the jewellery making industry to help remove stains that occur in the plating process helping to provide a brighter finish. Mr Danailov was used to ordering items through the internet. On this purchase he had not made any previous purchases from the company. In order for anyone to purchase items from the website you needed to register and confirm that you are using the item for use in your trade. You have to confirm this again each time you click to purchase. Mr Danailov inserted a fictitious jewellers business name but provided his full name and home address.

1. During the inquest evidence was heard that:
See above

2. I have concerns with regard to the following:

I. There appears to be insufficient checks carried out as to the identity of the prospective customer before hazardous items are sent out in the post. What obstacles are in place to prevent vulnerable individuals purchasing such items ?

II. Are members of the industry aware of the potential risks when dealing with customers over the internet.