'Chemical perfect storm' killed doting dad who walked for hours at night in freezing weather

A doting dad and grandad died from 'a chemical perfect storm' of drugs toxicity, an inquest heard. A coroner issued a stark warning over the dangers of mixing drugs after hearing details of Stephen Leyland's tragic death in January.

The inquest heard a 'combination of prescribed medication, non-prescribed medication and illicit drugs' including cannabis and cocaine was found in his system. Pregabalin and the painkiller tramadol were prescribed for a back complaint, with all the drugs apart from the pregabalin said to have been at levels consistent with therapeutic use.

The amount of cocaine was said to have been at a 'recreational use' level, but the inquest heard the illegal drug can cause seizures and affect the rhythm of the heart.

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Mr Leyland, a health and safety officer who was 47 and living in Lowton, Wigan, also wasn't aware he had ischemic heart disease, the narrowing of the heart's coronary arteries. Bolton Coroner's Court heard he left the home in Aspull, Wigan, of his estranged wife, possibly after a row, on the evening of January 6.

On what was a freezing night, he left behind his coat and wallet, and was only wearing a polo shirt. Mr Leyland's daughter, Abbie, said he told her on the phone he was 'walking towards Wigan hospital'. She said she went out to search for him, but abandoned the search and he was reported as missing the next day.

Mr Leyland's body was found on Station Road in Horwich, Bolton, at around 6.30am on Monday, January 8, by a HGV driver. The inquest heard it's believed he had been walking for around three hours.

The coroner, Timothy Brennand, commended a colleague of