Tragedy highlights drug peril

A WARNING about the dangers of drugs has been given out following the death of an Oldham man.

Coroner Lisa Hasmi gave a conclusion of misadventure for the death of William Harper (27), Oldham, who died from a drug overdose the day after attending a house party.

William, who was described as a popular and outgoing man, died on Saturday, May 27.

He had attended a house party the night before and at some point had taken cocaine and oxycodone which caused a high combined drug toxicity, causing his death.

It is believed that William took the oxycodone to relieve the symptoms of a chest infection, unaware of the risks it involved.

Having returned to his home at around 6am on the Saturday morning he went to bed to rest and was found unresponsive later that day by his mother.

Coroner Lisa Hashmi warned of the risks that comes with drug use.

Message

She said: "There is an important health message to be conveyed here. William has paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"But I do hope that other people learn from the circumstances of his death.

"I would urge all of those involved in drug use to think long and hard about the risk they pose to themselves and I hope that others will learn from Williams death.

"If they do and one life is saved then his death won't be in vain."

She added: "I wish to express my condolences to the family. William was clearly a very popular young man. He was an outgoing character and well loved.

"I cannot over emphasise the danger of drugs, whether they are illicit or authorised."