A former skilled footballer who used cocaine to ‘suppress his demons’ drowned in a steam after coming into woodland in a ‘paranoid state’, an inquest heard.
Ex-Halifax City striker James Dean, 35, was reported lacking by his household on Might 6 and tragically discovered three days later face-down within the water in a secluded woodland.
He had been struggling together with his psychological well being for a number of months and would at occasions use medicine, the inquest heard.
James, of Accrington, Lancashire, was final seen on CCTV operating in a carpark in Orchard Drive, Oswaldtwistle, simply after 11pm on Might 6.
His household consider James noticed a automotive go previous and dived by means of small hole in a fence panel in a paranoid state.
This led into the woodland space with the stream the place he was discovered on the afternoon of Might 9, simply yards from the place he had been captured on CCTV days earlier than.
Police assume he died shortly after he entered the wooded space on the night time of his disappearance.
Detective Inspector Tracey McMurdo, of Lancashire Police, stated that there was no proof to recommend he had taken his personal life.
His demise was as an alternative described as a ‘tragic accident’.
Ex-Halifax City striker James Dean, 35, was reported lacking by his household on Might 6 and tragically discovered three days later face-down within the water in a secluded woodland
Officers looking for James focused on well-known waterways because the household had stated when he had taken cocaine he would use water to chill himself down.
The spot the place James was discovered was unknown to the police so it wasn’t looked for numerous days.
Detective Inspector McMurdo stated she was assigned to the lacking particular person case on Might 7 and James was labeled as a ‘excessive danger’ attributable to his psychological well being struggles.
She stated: ‘James was so well-known in Accrington. As quickly as folks knew he was lacking there was a lot assist from the area people.
‘Folks have been sharing on social media and creating search events.’
James was referred to psychological well being providers at Royal Blackburn Hospital in June 2020 after taking cocaine and saying he did ‘not need to be right here anymore’, it was heard.
He was referred by police a second time in September 2020 after his mom, Margaret Dean, had known as involved about him as he was having a psychological well being episode.
Margaret advised the inquest: ‘He typically used cocaine to suppress the demons in his head.’
The Lancashire and South Cumbria Belief psychological well being group tried to name James on his cell and landline on Saturday, October 3, 2020, however had no luck, it was heard.
They then despatched him a letter asking whether or not he needed assist from the service however by no means acquired a response.
The household stated James appeared to be doing properly together with his psychological well being within the days earlier than he went lacking.
He laughing and joking with them and utilizing work and the health club to manage his temper, it was heard.
Dean (proper) pictured taking part in throughout a spell in his taking part in days with Bamber Bridge FC
Guide radiologist Dr Simon Beardmore took a CT scan of James, which confirmed proof of demise by drowning.
A toxicology report confirmed proof of cocaine use ‘very near demise’ which may have affected James’ coronary heart and mind features, the inquest heard.
Coroner Richard Taylor stated he believed that James’ demise was a ‘tragic accident’ and returned a conclusion of unintended demise.
Mr Taylor stated: ‘He has entered the world that was unknown to him. Someway, he has gone into the water.
‘It is probably he has slipped and fallen into the water whereas underneath the affect of cocaine.’
The 6ft 3ins striker performed for numerous non-league golf equipment in his profession and scored 70 objectives in 128 video games throughout three years at Halifax City, the place he was a followers’ favorite.
Former teammates right this moment paid tributes on social media with ex-Shaymen captain Danny Lowe saying: ‘I am completely devastated to listen to about my former teammate, buddy Deano.
‘Purpose machine and nightmare on the pitch however an enormous mild large off it.
‘Massive coronary heart massive smile and left a constructive impression on everybody, you may be missed however by no means forgotten. Relaxation straightforward brother.’
He was described by heartbroken kin as a ‘real and mild particular person’ who would ‘exit of his means to assist anybody who wanted it’.
In a tribute issued after his demise, his heartbroken household stated: ‘As a household we’re totally heartbroken and we will not consider our James has actually gone.
‘We’re nonetheless hoping he’ll stroll again by means of the door and provides us considered one of his smiles.
‘James was a loving father to his boys, a son, grandson, nephew and a brother and he can be desperately missed by so many.
‘He was such a real and mild one who would exit of his means to assist anybody who wanted it.’
Former Blackburn participant Jansen managed Chorley whereas Dean was a participant on the membership
Former Blackburn Rovers participant Matt Jansen, who was Chorley supervisor for a interval when Dean performed for them, additionally paid tribute after his demise.
He tweeted: ‘Completely devastated to listen to this information. Damaged coronary heart such an excellent man. RIP Deano.’
Chorley themselves echoed Jansen’s feedback, saying: ‘We’re completely devastated by this afternoon’s information – the ideas of everybody linked with the membership are with James Dean’s household & mates.’
One among his different former golf equipment, Stalybridge Celtic, additionally paid tribute, saying: ‘Our ideas are with the household and mates of former Celtic participant James Dean. ‘Relaxation in peace, James.’
Harrogate City, one other group of Dean’s, added: ‘Our ideas are with the household and mates of former City participant James Dean at this extremely unhappy time.’