A beloved pub landlord was discovered dead inside his establishment just weeks after it closed its doors for good, an inquest has revealed. Daniel Symns, 53, was found at The Port Royal Inn in Exeter, Devon, on February 25, coroner Alison Longhorn confirmed during a brief hearing at Exeter County Hall.
The pub, which had been Mr Symns' home address, closed in January due to what owners described as an unsustainable trading environment. A concerned friend, unable to reach the publican by phone, gained entry to the property and found Mr Symns before calling an ambulance. Paramedics administered CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The medical cause of death was given as acute opioid toxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inquest has been adjourned, with a full hearing scheduled for a later date, as reported by DevonLive.
Following his death, friends of Mr Symns launched a fundraiser to cover funeral costs. Organizers noted that many would remember him as the owner of The Port Royal, where he welcomed countless people over the years. Despite the pub's closure in January, he remained well-known to former customers and the community.
The riverside pub, once among Exeter's most popular, had been struggling financially. By May, the property appeared in poor condition, while owners Stonegate continued seeking new tenants. Mr Symns' funeral was held at St Peter's Chapel in Exeter on March 16.
