THE death of a homeless Bradford man has been found to be "drug-induced", says a Bradford coroner.

In an inquest held at Bradford Coroner's Court, Angela Brocklehurst, HM assistant coroner, ruled that Edgaras Firstovas, 29, of no fixed abode, had died a drug-induced death on June 1, 2022, at a home on Kensington Street in Bradford.

Mr Firstovas, was born on March 11, 1993, in Lithuania, and was unemployed at the time of his death.

A report by his GP, which was read out in court by coroner's officer Helen Bings, said: "Mr Firstovas came to the UK some years ago looking for work but he had no recourse for public funds.

"He had a stroke and was diagnosed with heart failure. He had a protesthic aortic valve fitted at hospital.

"He had a history of drug use in recent years and was prescribed methadone.

"However, he was using illicit opiates on top of the methadone.

"He did not make all of his cardiology appointments despite several attempts to get him back for treatment."

A post-mortem report stated Mr Firstovas was a heavy user of heroin, crack cocaine and alcohol.

The report stated: "He suffered from infective endocarditis, which occurs when bacteria grow on a heart valve. Prosthetic aortic valves can be compromised by unclean drug-injecting practices".

A statement from Mr Firstovas' friend Craig Cordingley was also read out in court.

Mr Cordingley said: "I always knew him as Eddie. When I met him, I saw him begging and gave him some change.

"He came to England from Lithuania after the death of his sister. His parents were deceased too. 

"Eddie did use drugs and drank alcohol. He spent £50 a day on drugs. He'd use as much as he could get his hands on.

"On May 31, 2022, he was begging for money to feed his habit. I'd offered to let him sleep in the attic at my home."

Although they spoke in the early hours on June 1, Mr Cordingley found him unresponsive around midday on June 1. The paramedics pronounced him dead at 3pm.

Although there was drug paraphernalia found near his bed and Mr Firstovas had some abrasions on his face, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Farrell concluded there were "no suspicious circumstances" in his death.

In her summary, Ms Brocklehurst said: "Mr Firstovas was found on June 1, 2022, at an address on Kensington Street, Bradford.

"He was surrounded by drug paraphernalia. Edgaras Firstovas came by a drug-induced death.

"My condolences and sympathies go to Mr Cordingley."

 

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here, or WhatsApp us on 07720403052.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01274 705292.