Student Drowned After Opioid Overdose, Inquest Hears
Nineteen-year-old Adam Griffin died on Christmas Eve after taking opioids ordered online, with his intent to take his own life unconfirmed by the coroner.
A 19-year-old student drowned in a drainage ditch on Christmas Eve after consuming opioids he had ordered online, an inquest has revealed. Adam Griffin went missing on December 24, returning to his family home in Yatton, Somerset, for the holiday period shortly after a relationship breakup.
After receiving a package in the morning, Griffin left his home and did not return that evening, prompting his family to search for him. They reported him missing to the police in the early hours of Christmas Day.
On Boxing Day, a member of the public found a black bumbag containing empty blister packs near a field adjacent to the Strawberry Line long-distance footpath, close to Griffin's home. Police officers subsequently discovered his body in a drainage ditch.
An inquest at Avon Coroner's Court heard that reeds from the ditch bank were found in Griffin's hands. A toxicology report indicated that Griffin, a second-year University of Leicester student, had taken a dose of opioids exceeding the therapeutic level from the packet he ordered. Investigators found a variety of drugs in his room, including the opioid he overdosed on.
Acting Police Sergeant Connor Underhill stated that the presence of multiple drugs in the parcel raised concerns it might have been a 'suicide kit,' suggesting a possible attempt to end his life given his recent breakup. The day before he disappeared, Griffin had reportedly shopped for his favorite items for the Christmas meal and wrapped presents for under the tree.
His family described Griffin as a 'sensitive and caring,' 'loving and lovable' young man with many friends who seemed happy to be home for Christmas, despite being somewhat subdued initially. They expressed devastation and bewilderment at his death.
Griffin's former football club has since raised over £4,000 for a charity supporting youth mental health services in the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire areas.
Coroner Debbie Rookes delivered a narrative verdict, stating she could not confirm suicide as there was no note, no expressed suicidal plans, and Griffin might have grasped the reeds to pull himself from the ditch. The verdict concluded that Adam died from freshwater drowning while under the influence of opioids, and his intent could not be ascertained. The coroner extended sincere condolences to his family and friends.