A man who was found dead on New Year's Day in Southend has been named as Steven Watkins.
The homeless 35-year-old was found on the top walkway of Romany Steps on the Woodgrange Drive Estate, off Beresford Road. A post mortem revealed that he had died of postural asphyxiation.
Coroners officer Richard Allman explained that his death was caused by the position he fell asleep in.
A childhood friend from Southend, who asked not to be named, said Mr Watkins had been attending a party on the estate, stepped outside and fell asleep.
He added: : "Steven had a drinking problem but was trying to get back on his feet again." An inquest will be held in due course.
Published Wednesday January 7, 2004
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