A tree surveyor struggling with chronic pain and fatigue died following a suspected overdose at home.

Will Collins, 39, was found dead by a support worker in Alfred Close, Canterbury, in January.

Due to his diagnosed myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), the former Aylesford School pupil “couldn’t walk due to pain” and started to give up on nutritional needs.

An inquest into into his death held on Wednesday, June 26, heard how he had not been seen for three days prior to his body being found.

Having locked himself in his room, Mr Collins is believed to have overdosed on a combination of prescribed and illegal drugs.

It is thought the former marine biology student had travelled to Ramsgate via train on Friday, January 18, to purchase crack cocaine.

He told his mother he had been walking all day and sitting in Canterbury Cathedral gardens - but proof of public transport tickets to Thanet were found in his jacket.

'There were no indications of him intending to take his life' - Assistant coroner James Dillon

Despite a history of self-medication, depression and cocaine use, Canterbury Coroner’s Court heard how Mr Collins had started to enjoy life since recently moving to the city.

But concerns were raised on Monday, January 21, when he did not answer the door for his morning tablet.

Support worker Paul Collett forced entry into his home and discovered Mr Collins motionless.

Police found a crack pipe on the floor and three wraps of crack cocaine - the drugs believed to have been purchased from Ramsgate - on a table.

Having heard all of the evidence, assistant coroner James Dillon ruled Mr Collins’ death had been drug-related.

"I am somewhat loath to consider suicide,” he said.

“There were no indications of him intending to take his life."

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