THE family of a man who died after becoming hooked on drink and drugs has told of the frustrating battle to save him.

Darren Davies was found dead in his room at Manchester Methodist Home in Chorley Old Road, Bolton, on July 6 this year by Terry King, a housing worker at the home.

He had been alerted by Andrew Smith, a friend of Mr Davies and a resident, who said he had not seen him all day.

At an inquest into the 28-year-old’s death, Bolton coroner John Welton said it remained “a puzzle” over what caused his death and recorded an open verdict.

The inquest heard that Mr Davies had been drinking up to three litres of cider a day and injecting heroin in the weeks before his death.

Dr Anthony Qunnell, from the Bolton substance misuse service, which was treating Mr Davies, said he was already drinking to “harmful levels” when he started spending up to £30 a week on heroin.

But a pathologist told the hearing that no traces of either substance were found in Mr Davies’ body after his death.

Dr Angelia Ong said Mr Davies had died from asphyxiation after gastric fluid from his stomach blocked his airways and entered one of his lungs during a deep sleep.

Dr Ong said it was possible that Mr Davies, who suffered from epilepsy, may have suffered a fit and choked, although she said there were no external signs of an attack.

After the inquest, Mr Davies’ family paid tribute to him and described their frustration and helplessness at being powerless to stop him turning to drink and, unknown to them, drugs.

His father, Jimmy, said: “We didn’t know about the drugs, only his problem with drink, so that’s come as a blow. He never drank until he was 18 then he left home and chose a different life.

“We tried to help him but he denied it was a problem. I think he fell into it trying to be part of the crowd.”

His mum, Elaine, from Westhoughton, said: “He rang me on the Saturday before he died and seemed fine.

“He said he was trying to get himself sorted and that he was drinking less.”

Mr Davies’ sister, Debbie, added: “He would just potter around town and come in to see me where I work. Everyone knew him.

“He was a happy charmer, but found it hard to fit in. He just wanted to be people’s friend.”

Health workers said the music-loving Manchester United fan had started to make some progress in overcoming his addictions and was talking about getting a job and his own home shortly before he died.

nick.lakeman@thebolton news.co.uk