Intoxicated student Amandeep Sansoa drowned in mud in Common pond

Amandeep Singh Sansoa was discovered dead in the Model Yachting Pond which had been drained by still contained mud and patches of water.

The 21-year-old was found the morning after he had been to a party.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard the natural sciences student at Southampton University had been at a party called ‘Armageddon’ at 4 Alma Road, Portswood, where it is believed he took ketamine.

Dana Heffernan, who was at the party and a friend of Mr Sansoa, said she saw him shortly after 5am looking “like a zombie”.

“I remember thinking he must be on drugs,” Ms Heffernan said. “There were a lot of drugs at the party; I know the drugs going around at the party were ketamine and cocaine, but there could have been others.

“Amandeep was not a regular drug user, I have never seen Amandeep like that.”

She added that there were 100 to 200 people at the party, although that was the last recorded sighting of Mr Sansoa, of Gordon Avenue, Portswood, before he was found dead on the Common.

Housemate Ben Jenkins, who was also at the party and described Mr Sansoa as a “popular student”, said: “I know of no reason why Amandeep would have been on the Common.

“In his first year, Amandeep was somewhat depressed, but that’s not the case anymore.”

The inquest heard Mr Sansoa was found in the pond on December 1, shortly before 9am by parkrunners Janice Hill and Joe Bibby.

Mr Bibby said he climbed down in the pond to check on Mr Sansoa, but after rolling him over found mud in his mouth.

Home Office forensic pathologist Dr Basil Purdue confirmed he died as a result of drowning in the mud.

Dr Purdue also revealed toxicology results that showed Mr Sansoa had no alcohol in his system, but a “very high level” of ketamine that could have been high enough to kill, as well as evidence of cannabis, cocaine and MDMA use.

Recording a conclusion of accidental death, senior coroner Grahame Short declined suggestions to call for lighting and fencing at the pond.

Mr Short said: “It’s important the wildlife is not constantly bathed in artificial light, and it’s impossible to put barriers around every hazard.”

A Southampton University spokesman confirmed the ‘Armageddon’ event was not linked to the university and was held in private accommodation.

The spokesman said: “We were very saddened by the death of one of our students in December. The university worked closely with his family to provide support during what was a very difficult time for them and they remain very much in our thoughts.

“We continue to offer support to any fellow students who were closely affected by his death.”