Recovering addict was found dead in Bradford sheltered living flat, inquest told — (Telegraph and Argus)

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Telegraph and Argus

Wednesday 10th April 2013 

Staff at a supported living complex in Bradford found a woman resident dead in her flat the day after she had been discharged from hospital.

Alcoholic and recovering heroin addict Michelle Whyatt, 34, was discovered after a friend at the complex in Oak Lane, Manningham, became worried and alerted staff. Miss Whyatt had been treated for a deep vein thrombosis and had a painful skin infection cellulitis. She had attended Bradford Royal Infirmary shortly before she died in November 1 last year.

The alarm was raised when Miss Crossley could not rouse her friend and had to get staff to let themselves in with their keys.

A post-mortem examination showed there was a variety of prescription and non-prescription drugs in her system, including anti-depressants, heroin, painkillers and methadone.

Assistant Deputy Coroner Dr Dominic Bell said the levels of two anti-depressants found were higher than normal dosing, but there was no evidence it had been a deliberate overdose. Dr Bell recorded a verdict that her death was due to alcohol and drug dependency.