Colchester dad of four died of drug poisoning, says coroner

Zac Parker, who was a father-of-four, was found dead at his address on July 12.

The inquest into the 39-year-old’s death was opened by the area coroner for Essex, Michelle Browne, at the Essex Coroner’s Service in Chelmsford on Friday.

There, Mrs Brown said paramedics were called to Mr Parker’s address  and medics tried to revive him, but to no avail.

After a toxicology report, a post-mortem examination concluded that the provisional cause of death was of heroine and cocaine toxicity.

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A Go Fund Me page was set up shortly after is death to fundraise for the funeral, which took place in August.

Louise O’Shea, who organised the fundraiser and was Mr Parker's brother-in-law, wrote: “Those who knew Zac knew of him to be a loving and devoted father to his four children – and he lived for his children.

“Sending a massive thank you to the emergency services for their efforts, trying to save our brother.

"We love you Zac, we are going to miss you, your warm heart and your warming smile – our hearts will forever be broken."