Deaths of tragic couple found in bed were drug-related, inquest finds

A couple were found deadnote-0 in the bed of a Sunderland home, two inquest hearings have heard.
The couple were found at a house in Rowan Close, South HyltonThe couple were found at a house in Rowan Close, South Hylton
The couple were found at a house in Rowan Close, South Hylton

Daryl Stephen Wyatt, 29, and Victoria Snowdon, 32, were found dead at a home in Rowan Close, South Hylton, at about 9.30pm on Wednesday, August 7.

An investigation was carried out by Sunderland Coroner’s Court and two separate inquests have been held to determine the cause of death.

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Assistant Coroner for Sunderland, Andrew Hetherington, concluded that the deaths of Mr Wyatt and Ms Snowdon were both “drug-related”.

Both inquests, held on Thursday, heard that the couple were last seen at around 3am on Wednesday, August 7. They were said to be well, they had been drinking but did not appear to be intoxicated. Mr Hetheringon said: “I note that at 9.40pm on August 7, police were contacted reporting the deaths of Daryl Wyatt and Victoria Snowdon, who were partners.”

The couple had not been seen on the morning or afternoon and a family member of Mr Wyatt attended his home in Rowan Close where the couple were sadly found dead in the bed, said Mr Hetherington.

The hearings heard a number of substances, including alcohol, a white rock substance, and some packets thought to contain drugs, were found in the bedroom.

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Post-mortem examinations carried out by pathologist Jennifer Bolton found potentially lethal amounts of morphine in both Mr Wyatt’s and Ms Snowdon’s systems.

Mr Hetherington came to the conclusion that Mr Wyatt died due to the combined affects of morphine, tramadol and diazepam.

While Ms Snowdon, of Meadow Grove, died due to the combined effects of morphine, diazepam, promethazine and sertraline.

A short-form conclusion of drug related deaths were made by Mr Hetherington.

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Also among those to leave their condolences on social media was Claire Orrell, who said: “Another two gone far too soon, RIP.

“My thoughts are with both families.”

Deb Pulling said: “Heartbreaking, two young lives gone way to early, thoughts go out to their families and friends.”

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