A family have paid tribute to a "beautiful and happy" makeup artist who was found dead at home after taking a combination of drugs.

David Jon Hugh Mckenna, who was also known as Sarah Rose Elizabeth Mckenna, was found unresponsive at her flat on Saville Street in Bolton on April 16.

The makeup artist, who was diagnosed as schizophrenic, had transitioned from a man to a woman, but the family say she was still unsure over her identity.

A friend, Max Bunkel, from America, was staying with her at the time and had found Sarah in her bedroom, Bolton Coroner’s Court was told.

Sarah's cousin Emma Crossdale described the 30-year-old as “always very outgoing, kind and caring".

She added: “He (when talking about David) loved drama, singing and dancing but he did struggle with mental health problems.

“Sarah was beautiful and happy and got to live her final years as she had always wanted.

“She had so much to look forward to and this has been a great loss to the whole family and friends, she’ll be greatly missed.

“We know how much she loved life and never let any of her struggles hold her back.”

A toxicology report showed that a number of drugs, which included sildenafil, methanphetamine, ketamin and cannabis, had been taken prior to death.

Sarah had been visited by Mr Bunkel after they met on social media and the two had spent the night in close company.

Mr Bunkel gave a statement to the court implying that while he had been with the makeup artist of the night of her death, he had only taken cannabis with her, while the deceased continued taking drugs.

After walking past the room and seeing Sarah on the floor snoring, Mr Bunkel said he went back to his room.

But when he checked on her again, he found her cold and administered CPR while on the phone to emergency services.

Paramedics were called but Sarah was pronounced dead.

Detective Inspector Philip Howesley said there was no "suspicious evidence" at the scene.

But Sarah's family said they felt a thorough investigation was not carried out and much evidence has yet to be seen.

They do not believe she would have taken drugs with Mr Bunkel.

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In conclusion, Coroner Peter Sigee said: “The finding that I make is that the medical cause of death is 1A, combination drug intoxication.

“But I cannot be certain in what circumstances they entered his body.

“I am satisfied that I will give an open conclusion.”