"This is a huge shock": 'Cracking lad', 26, dies from accidental cocaine overdose

A 'cracking lad' died from an accidental cocaine overdose just a year on from his mum's death, an inquest heard.

Andrew Geoffrey Dalton died suddenly at his home in Longridge in Lancashire on May 6 of this year, LancsLive reports. A coroner at Blackburn Town Hall last Wednesday (September 20) recorded the 26-year-old's cause of death as 'cocaine toxicity'.

Andrew, known to his friends and family as Dalts, lost his mum Rosemary on May 13 last year at the age of 62. His loved ones said his death came as a 'huge shock' as they described him as a 'lovely lad'.

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At the inquest into his death, area coroner Chris Long returned a conclusion of misadventure. He said: "Andrew Geoffrey Dalton was found deceased on May 6, 2023, at his home address of 8 Lindale Road, Longridge, Preston in Lancashire."

The inquest heard that Andrew, a warehouse handler, was an occasional user of cocaine. The coroner ruled his death was accidental.

He added: "Evidence was heard that Mr Dalton had occasionally taken cocaine. Mr Dalton died as a result of cocaine toxicity. He consumed cocaine without realising the likely consequences."

A funeral notice published after Andrew's death described him as the 'much-loved son of the late Rosemary and of Peter, loving brother of Rachel, Joanne & Eddie, brother-in-law to Scott and a friend to many'.

In a comment on Facebook Karen Seed posted: "RIP Andrew, a lovely lad, so sad, sending love to all his family."

Another friend added: "Condolences to Andrew’s sisters. Knowing Andrew as he grew up with our Alfie,