Former Rhydymwyn man, 29, dies after drug abuse, Flint inquest told

Sep 9 2010 by Francesca Elliott, Flintshire Chronicle

A YOUNG man with a history of drug and alcohol problems and mental health issues died as a result of drug abuse, an inquest heard.

Paul Anthony Johnson, 29, formerly of Rhydymwyn, was found dead on April 29 by neighbours at his home in Southsea, Wrexham, where he’d lived since January this year.

His father, also called Paul Johnson, told the inquest at Flint, Ant, as his son was known, had left school at 16 and had worked in a number of jobs before being diagnosed with mental health issues.

For nine years prior to his death he had binge drinking and smoking cannabis and had a number of drug overdoses in 2004 and 2006.

The last time his father had seen him he said he was pale and had lost weight but seemed fine.

“He seemed happy enough. His death was a total shock. It was so unexpected. We thought he had finally found a safe haven.”

However at 11.30pm on April 29 emergency services were called to the Temperance Road flat after neighbours found Mr Johnson dead in his chair.

Coroner John Hughes yesterday (Wednesday) recorded a verdict of abuse of drugs and the cause of death as alcohol and heroin toxicity.

He said: “It’s another case of a young man who has lost his life because of drugs. It’s a desperately sad waste of a young life.”