Sleep pills overdose led to death of Selvin Roach
Published: 28 October, 2010
by JOSIE HINTON
A RECOVERING alcoholic who was turning his life around died from an overdose of sleeping pills, an inquest heard.
Selvin Roach, 53, of Cholmley Gardens, West Hampstead, was found dead by police in February 2009 after he had missed an appointment with his psychiatrist.
St Pancras Coroner’s Court was told that Mr Roach had been battling alcoholism for many years but had secured a place in a rehabilitation centre.
A post-mortem examination confirmed he died from Zopliclone (a form of sleeping pill) toxicity.
Recording an open narrative verdict, coroner Dr Andrew Reid said there was no evidence Mr Roach had taken a deliberate overdose.
He added: “He died as a result of toxicity but the circumstances are such that it is not possible to be sure that he intended to commit suicide, and an accidental overdose or misadventure cannot be excluded.”