A ‘GENEROUS and selfless’ man who died of a cocaine overdose had a level nearly six times the average toxic amount in his body, a pathologist has said.

Joel Burns was rushed to hospital on the evening of December 2 after collapsing in his bathroom, but died a short time after arriving.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard the 29-year-old, of Springford Crescent, Coxford, was discovered by his wife of more than three-years, Jordan, who was putting up Christmas decorations with Mr Burns’ children.

The inquest heard Mrs Burns was unable to get a response from her husband, so phoned an ambulance while trying to break down the locked door.

Eventually firefighters managed to get in to the bathroom, before rushing Mr Burns, who worked as an aerospace engineer, to Southampton General Hospital.

Pathologist Dr Vipul Foria confirmed he died due to a cocaine overdose. He also said there was evidence of MDMA use.

PC Daisy Towers told the inquest that following Mr Burns’ death, a search of his home was carried out, where she said police found “a large quantity of cocaine”, along with items she believed to be related to drug dealing.

PC Towers confirmed a police investigation is still ongoing following the search, while PC Aaron Shale added in a statement Mrs Burns had told him she had no knowledge of the drugs in the house.

The inquest also heard that Mr Burns may have been suffering with depression during the last year of his life, with Mrs Burns saying: “His ‘get up and go’, his drive was gone.”

Recording a conclusion of drug-related death, senior coroner Grahame Short said: “He was clearly a recreational user of illicit drugs... It seems likely this involved more than just his own use.”

After the inquest, Mr Burns’ family paid tribute in a statement. They said: “Joel will be sadly missed and remembered by all his family for his loving, generous and selfless nature. He was a wonderful husband and father of twin boys who worked hard to ensure they grew up in a loving and supportive environment.

“He ran a number of marathons to raise money for kidney research, a charity close to his heart.

“Joel loved his music, a passion he shared with his brothers, sister and many friends. Jordan, his wife and soulmate will miss him forever, as will all his family and close friends. "A tragic loss of such a beautiful person who had everything to live for.”