A teenager from Norfolk died from a catastrophic brain injury after using cocaine to cope with the emotional pain of a relationship breakdown, a coroner's court has heard.
A Descent into Drug Use After Heartbreak
Connor Norman, an 18-year-old from Aylsham, first turned to the Class A drug in June last year following a painful split from his partner. The inquest was told his drug use began as he struggled to manage his emotions after the breakup.
By August, his situation had deteriorated to the point where he needed hospital treatment for an overdose. After recovering, he was referred to the Matthew Project, a service supporting those with drug and alcohol problems. Health professionals also considered a referral for suspected psychosis but later concluded his symptoms were solely triggered by substance abuse.
The Tragic Final Night
On 8 October, Connor spent time at his mother's house before visiting a friend's home nearby. His behaviour was described as normal initially. However, he later locked himself in a bathroom, where friends heard him 'puttering about', making loud banging noises, and running water.
After the sounds suddenly stopped, concerned friends forced their way in. They found Connor limp and unresponsive on the floor with wet tissue and a flannel in his mouth. His stepfather was called and raced over to perform CPR before paramedics arrived.
Connor was rushed to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in the early hours of 9 October. Tragically, doctors discovered he had suffered an irreversible anoxic brain injury. He was pronounced dead just before 10.30pm on 11 October.
Inquest Conclusion and Family Tribute
A toxicology report confirmed 'recreational' use of cocaine on the evening he collapsed. Assistant coroner Christopher Leach recorded a conclusion of misadventure. The medical cause of death was given as 'anoxic brain injury, asphyxiation and cocaine use'.
The word 'overdose' was removed from the record after Connor's family highlighted that the amount of cocaine in his system was below the normally accepted lethal level.
In a heartfelt statement, his family described Connor as the 'foundation of the family' who would 'light up every room with his presence'. They said he 'cared so much about others' and was 'the go-to man' if you wanted to feel loved, adding he would be 'sorely missed'.
Following his death, a JustGiving page raised nearly £3,500 in his memory for awareness and support for families of young people struggling with mental health effects.
