Man died after freak accident at own birthday party

Ashley Slater, of Graisley Lane, Wednesfield, slid down a stair rail and banged the bridge of his nose against a radiator.

The inquest at Smethwick Council House heard how fellow party-goers then looked on in horror as the 29-year-old 'appeared to have a seizure'.

He was dead when ambulance crews arrived at the scene.

Toxicology tests revealed Mr Slater had cannabis, cocaine and alcohol in his bloodstream.

Black Country coroner Zafar Siddique said this 'fatal combination' aggravated an underlying heart problem.

He said: "The level of alcohol is fairly low and not significant.

"He certainly had cocaine present in his blood, but while this was not at a level causing toxicity it would've increased the risk of sudden death in a person with cardiac disease."

The inquest was told Mr Slater was celebrating his 29th birthday at his home.

He had a history of heart problems and the combination of drugs, injury to his head and underlying problems led to his death.

Ambulance crews were unable to resuscitate him.

According to the post-mortem, Mr Slater died of hypertrophic heart disease and mixed drug toxicity.

Recording a verdict of drug-related death, Mr Siddique said: "The fatal combination of cocaine and cannabis directly contributed to Mr Slater's death.

"This must have been devastating for the family concerned and I offer my condolences to them."