A 53-year-old labourer died after spending an evening playing board games and drinking rum, a court has heard. 

Kevin Murray had been staying with a friend at John Bates Close in Dereham when he died there on January 21.

He was discovered unresponsive on the sofa shortly after 5pm, the day after he had been playing games and drinking rum.

Evidence given during an inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Murray had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. 

A report from Change Grow Live (CGL) said that Mr Murray had self-referred in 2023 to overcome his addiction problems but had struggled due to being homeless. 

READ MORE: Inquest opened into the death of 21-year-old who died at home

READ MORE: To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.

The report continued that as well as “sofa surfing” Mr Murray had sought shelter by sleeping in public toilets. 

He had been offered accommodation, but none was available in his preferred location of Dereham, so he remained “content” with his situation. 

His GP also confirmed that he had been “working closely” with CGL to overcome his addictions. 

A toxicology report revealed that Mr Murray had high levels of alcohol in his system and several drugs at the time of his death. 

It added: “In conclusion, it is possible that the combination of high alcohol with the other sedative drugs may have caused excess sedation.” 

The medical cause of death was given as central nervous system and respiratory depression due to combined alcohol and drug toxicity. 

Area coroner Yvonne Blake concluded that his death was "alcohol and drug related”. 

She added: “My condolences to Mr Murray’s family and friends.” 

  • Change Grow Live is a drug and alcohol service that can be accessed by emailing norfolk.info@cgl.org.uk or ringing 01603 5140996. 
  • To pay tribute to a loved one email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk