'Gentle giant who wouldn't hurt a soul' suddenly dies at home after night out

05 March 2024 , 21:48

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An inquest has been held into the death of 29-year-old Charlie Saunders (Image: Submitted)

A young man tragically died at home after suffering a sudden medical episode following a night out at his local pub.

An inquest into the death of 29-year-old Charlie Saunders, was held at Exeter Coroners Court today, March 5 - exactly a year ago since he died. According to the inquest, Exeter-born dad-of-one Charlie had recently started a new job with a different company as a smart meter fitter and had been excited to be getting back on his feet again.

Concerns for his welfare were raised by his new boss when he failed to turn up for work on March 6. He was found unresponsive at his home where he lived alone later that day. In a statement, his mum Judy told how he had enjoyed a good childhood and described him as a 'happy little boy' who went to school locally. He went on to study plumbing as well as bricklaying and electrical work, but then decided it was not the career for him.

She recalled his excitement at having later become a dad, but had struggled following the death of his own father shortly afterward, who he lost to cancer in 2021. Judy said it had led him to drinking more heavily at times and taking occasional recreational drugs and sleeping tablets as a coping mechanism. She also said he enjoyed going to the gym, and used steroids in the past.

The last time she heard from him was a text message in the early hours of March 5, in reply to a previous message she had sent. Following his death, Judy said they had investigated the Apple watch he had been wearing which showed he had walked home from local pub. His heart rate was also detected on the device, showing that it was high. However, his last readings showed it had significantly dropped.

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Paying tribute to her son, she described how he was known for always making people laugh and was always smiling. She said: "He was always very kind to people and had a lot of time for them. During lockdown he would take time to have conversations with some old people he visited; he did not like to think of them as being lonely."

An inquest into the death of 29-year-old Charlie Saunders, was held at Exeter Coroners Court today, March 5 (Devon Live/BPM)

His former partner Stephanie Hellier told in a statement how they had first met on a night out in 2019 and then became inseparable, reported DevonLive. She described him as having been an 'amazing' dad to their daughter. However, she said that due to Charlie's struggles following the death of his dad, they had separated but remained in close contact and she continued to support him.

Stephanie said: "He got on so well with his dad and could tell him anything. [After his death] Charlie got into a rut and could not get out of it. He loved his daughter so much. I know he would not have wanted to die; there was hope."

She added: "Charlie was an amazing person. He was so kind; nothing was too much trouble for him. He would play with our daughter all the time. He was funny and although he was 6ft 5 and full of muscle, he was a gentle giant who would not hurt a soul. He was really beautiful inside and out."

Evidence from consultant histopathologist Dr Ramzi Rajab revealed he had a large blood clot in his pulmonary artery leading to his heart and lungs, believed to have originated from his leg, and had an enlarged heart.

Toxicology tests indicated he had taken 'a large amount' of cocaine prior to his death which can cause changes in blood vessels and heart rhythm known as cardiotoxicity. Steroids were also detected which can cause an enlarged heart associated with the formation of blood clots. Charlie also tested positive for Covid which can also contribute to blood clots.

Recording a conclusion of accidental death, senior coroner Philip Spinney said multiple factors and features contributed to his death and said: "The evidence shows Charlie was planning for the future and there is no reason Charlie wanted to end his life. It is more likely than not that his death was unintentional and an accident."

Anita Merritt