Great British Menu Chef Christopher Wheeler Died After Taking Drugs, Inquest Finds

Great British Menu star chef Christopher Wheeler died after taking a cocktail of drugs including methamphetamine, amphetamine, and ketamine, an inquest has found. His body was discovered in an overgrown area of Brompton Cemetery in London on February 27, two days after he was reported missing by his partner.

Wheeler, 52, who also appeared on shows like Saturday Morning Kitchen, was found by workers at the cemetery who were looking for a broken headstone. He was discovered leaning against a grave with a plastic bag over his head. Police initially preserved the scene due to the circumstances, and a full forensic response was mounted. CCTV footage showed Wheeler entering the cemetery alone.

An Operational Forensic Manager determined there was no third-party involvement, concluding it was a self-death. A toxicology report confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and ketamine. Pathologist Dr. John Firth stated the cause of death was asphyxiation and the harmful effects of drugs, noting that while the drug levels were not fatal, they were contributory.

Inner West London Coroners' Court heard that Wheeler had a history of mental health issues but no prior record of drug abuse, according to his GP. Coroner Mrs. Harkin recorded an open verdict, stating she could not be sure of Wheeler's intent to die as he left no note and had no history of self-harm. She concluded that the drugs may have altered his state of mind, preventing her from determining if the death was intended.

In a pen portrait read at the hearing, Wheeler's family described him as a "truly sunny soul" who was "gentle and kind." They highlighted his passion for cooking and his family, stating he was a perfectionist who took immense pride in his work and considered his daughters his greatest achievement.

Wheeler began his culinary career at the Domaine De Bassible Hotel in France and worked with chef Jean-Christophe Novelli for 10 years, becoming the youngest sous chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant. He went on to work in Michelin-starred kitchens at establishments including the Four Seasons Park Lane and Maison Novelli.

Jean-Christophe Novelli paid tribute to his friend of 30 years on Instagram, calling Wheeler "an extraordinary chef, but even more extraordinary as a man - warm, generous, steady, and endlessly kind." Tributes also came from Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire, where Wheeler served as executive chef for many years, with a post describing him as "an extraordinary human being; highly respected by his peers and much loved by all who met him."