Tollesbury man died in Colchester from caffeine overdose

Alfie Goddard, 25, who was from Tollesbury and lived in a supported accommodation block in Colchester for people with mental health needs, was taken to hospital in October last year while suffering a psychotic episode.

An inquest held at Essex Coroner’s Court heard Mr Goddard had a diagnosis of ADHD, drug-induced psychosis, paranoid schizophrenia, and autism, and was in a distressed and delirious state when he was seen walking barefoot in Stanway.

He had walked in front of moving cars and was vomiting blood, and died later that day after suffering a cardiac arrest in hospital.

His mental health had been declining in the two weeks before the incident, and a toxicology report found Mr Goddard had 160mcg of caffeine per 100ml of blood - an amount which coroner Lincoln Brookes said was “well within the fatality bracket” associated with caffeine-related deaths.

The inquest heard that although Mr Goddard had tried to call 999 while experiencing the psychotic episode on October 28, he was unable to speak clearly and members of staff at his supported living complex, International House, called the emergency services instead.

Paramedics arrived at 11am before police attended about half an hour later to help restrain him.

There was a 27-minute delay between police arriving to assist paramedics and Mr Goddard’s subsequent arrival in hospital as there was as a disagreement about who should accompany him in the ambulance, but the delay is not believed to have contributed to Mr Goddard’s death.

However, the inquest heard that a search of Mr Goddard’s room after he died found an array of caffeine tablets, and his family told the coroner he would become “fixated” on certain foods and health supplements.

Inspector Tom Bastendorff from Essex Police said: “The items seized from Alfie’s flat were a number of capsules which contained caffeine.

“It is my belief he took these capsules which led to the erratic behaviour.”

In a statement read by Mr Goddard’s sister, Daisy, to the inquest, she said: “I believe Alfie’s death was not deliberate but rather fits his pattern of excessive consumption.

“He had an addictive personality and was unaware of the harmful effects of caffeine due to inappropriate labelling.

“His vulnerabilities made it very dangerous when he could and would buy one product he wanted online.

“He ordered in bulk and became fixated on various supplements and health products despite the family ‘s attempts to moderate his consumption.”

Craig Capener, who was standing in for the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust clinical lead Claire Tait, said: “We were aware more about the illicit substances [Mr Goddard used].

“In terms of the quantities and types of caffeine he was purchasing, I don’t think that was known to our team.”

Concluding the inquest, Mr Brookes said: “Alfie Goddard inadvertently died of caffeine toxicity, having taken a large number of caffeine tablets at his home earlier that day.

“He had been diagnosed for a number of years with paranoid schizophrenia, autistic spectrum disorder, and ADHD against a background of polysubstance misuse.”

The coroner recorded a finding of accidental death.

A spokesperson for International House said: “Alfie is greatly missed by everyone who knew him, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.

"To honour his memory, we have created a memorial garden where his friends and loved ones can spend time and remember him.

"We hope it will be a lasting tribute to Alfie and offer comfort to all those who continue to feel his loss. He remains very much in our thoughts."