A grieving County Durham mum has paid tribute to her "beautiful" son after he died following an intentional illegal drug overdose.
Rob Threlfall, 26, from Newton Aycliffe, who had previously struggled with his mental health and drug use, was in "good spirits" in the days before he took a "large" quantity of illegal drugs on July 15 of this year.
An inquest at Crook Coroners' Court today (November 22) heard that shortly after taking the drugs, in front of friends, Rob collapsed then succumbed to a seizure lasting several minutes.
Nine days later on July 24, Rob was taken off life support.
The inquest, which concluded on Friday (Novermber 22), heard how Rob "adored" his young children but was a frequent drug user and often used substances "as a coping mechanism".
But, leading up to his overdose, Rob posted a photo of his children on Facebook that read "I will love you forever. Never forget that" - which immediately alarmed friends and family.
Rob's mum Kirsteen was present at the hearing and paid tribute to her son, explaining that she last saw Rob two days before he died.
She said: "Rob had taken drugs recreationally for a number of years. Some more frequently in the last couple of years.
"He went through phases of taking other drugs in the months leading up to his death. He had experienced overdoses in the past.
"(When I last saw him) he was in relatively good spirits."
"Rob’s death has left a terrible void in our lives and we will love and miss him forever."
Coroner Dr Leslie Hamilton concluded the hearing by stating Rob's death would be recorded as suicide.
He said: "Here we have a 26-year-old man who took an overdose of cocaine witnessed by friends and had a seizure - that has been given as the cause of death.
"Clearly there were issues in his personal life. This was a large dose that he took deliberately."
Following the hearing, Rob's mum told The Northern Echo that she agreed with the conclusion - and spoke more of her lively son.
Recommended:
She added: "The verdict is probably correct because he has really been struggling the last couple of years.
"Rob was full of life - he was hilarious. He did some silly things but when he was happy he was on top of the world.
"He wanted to travel, he loved going out with his dogs and camping. Everyone loved Rob - he would always help anyone if he could.
"He just, unfortunately, didn't know how to help himself."
If you are in need of support you can contact the following:
- Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258
- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here