The cause of death of beloved actor Paul Danan has been confirmed following an inquest, two months after his body was tragically found.
Paul – who was 46 – was perhaps best known for his role as Sol Patrick in Channel 4 drama Hollyoaks. He also appeared on Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother.
Police sadly found his body in a Bristol property on Wednesday, January 15, with his agent sharing the devastating news the following day. He was declared deceased by paramedics at the scene.
Paul Danan’s cause of death confirmed in inquest
An inquest held in Bristol’s Avon Coroner’s Court today (March 11), confirmed Paul Danan’s cause of death as a toxic drug cocktail.
It noted a “combined toxicity of heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine and zopiclone, with a secondary contributory finding of benzodiazepine” was found in the actor’s system. The inquest was adjourned with a full hearing set to take place on May 28.
In a statement following his death, his management said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old.”
His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.
The statement then added: “Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many. His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.”
It concluded: “During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time.”
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Drugs charges and court appearance
Hours after his death was announced, reports surfaced that Paul was due in court on drugs charges.
It’s claimed he had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court in Cheshire on January 16 after being charged with being in possession of several bags of cocaine and a “quantity” of cannabis, according to court documents.
He was also facing a charge of driving while under the influence of drugs.
Paul had been vocal about his addiction battle in the past. He previously revealed that he’d spent an estimated £1m on his recovery and checked into rehab 17 times.
It came months after a hospital dash when he suffered respiratory failure brought on by addiction to vapes. He blamed his years of smoking for his health struggles after spending a week in intensive care when he contracted pneumonia.
He said at the time: “I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed. My family called for an ambulance and started giving me CPR, then police arrived and took over before paramedics took me to hospital. I was on a machine in ICU and ended up with pneumonia. My family were warned I might not make it through the night. I’m so lucky.”
Paul Danan’s Love Island girlfriend spoke out
Paul’s ex-girlfriend, socialite Lady Isabella Hervey, 42, shared a heartfelt statement to Instagram in wake of her former flame’s death.
The pair began an on-off relationship in 2005 amid their stint on Celebrity Love Island.
Alongside throwback snaps posing with the star on the beach, Isabella wrote: “Pauly…I don’t know what to tell you as I’m still in utter shock you’re gone.”
She then gushed: “You were the kindest/ biggest hearted person/ so thoughtful/ always making me laugh when I was going through tough times over these two years. In fact you worried a lot about me and meanwhile you were in pain.” [sic]
“I wish I had known as you covered it well. You brought out the best in me on Love Island, who I truly am,” Isabella recalled.
She also went on to say the pair had plans to reunite.
“You promised to visit me but now you’re gone. I will hold on to the good times and your incredible sense of humour. You never failed to make me laugh so hard I’d cry. Rest well and I cannot comprehend this is the end. I do not want to. Bella.”
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The former couple had their ups and downs whilst starring in the villa, including a love triangle with Playboy model Nikki Ziering.
Ultimately, their relationship didn’t work out. Although, the pair did remain friends!
Read more: Paul Danan’s heartbreaking confession in final interview before his tragic death revealed
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