Sudden death of 48-year-old man a mystery, inquest told

A 48-year-old man died suddenly having shown no signs of illness, an inquest heard today (Tuesday).

Nigel Fisher from Milton Keynes, who had a partner and children, died in St Albans while visiting a man he had been in a relationship with.

Eng Aun Yeoh found him unresponsive on the bed and despite resuscitation attempts by him and the paramedics, Mr Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene in Dellfield.

He had been in general good health despite suffering from mild asthma, and he was looking forward to an imminent holiday abroad with his family.

At the inquest into his death on Tuesday pathologist Dr Simon Poole who carried out the post-mortem said he was "at a loss" to explain why Mr Fisher suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest on the night of his death on August 15 last year.

But he ruled out any unnatural causes and said that the cannabis and small amount of the drug ketamine which Mr Fisher had taken that night to relax him, had no bearing on his death.

Herts Coroner Edward Thomas recorded a verdict of death of natural causes from a sudden and acute cardio-respiratory arrest.

Although it didn't lead to the condition, Mr Fisher's asthma was recorded as a secondary factor as it would have weakened his respiratory system.

Mr Thomas said: "It is clear to me from the evidence that Nigel was looking forward to a holiday, he had finished his work and what was happening was something that had happened before that evening - he was relaxed. He died suddenly and for the family - his children and all his family - I cannot begin to imagine how awful it was to suddenly find out he had died."

He also extended his condolences to Mr Yeoh who had been devastated by Mr Fisher's sudden and unexpected death.