Man, 56, found slumped against a wall and struggling to breathe died later in hospital

A 56-year-old man who died in hospital after being found slumped against a wall close to his Blackpool home had a history of respiratory and heart problems and was on prescribed methadone.

Mark Blythe, of Marton Drive, was found by a passer-by against the wall and struggling to breathe in nearby Lyndhurst Avenue.

An ambulance was called and he was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he died on April 14 this year.

An inquest at Blackpool Town Hall heard that earlier CCTV images showed Mr Blythe walking slowly and frequently stopping, appearing to try and catch his breath, as he walked in the direction of his home. Police found no evidence of trauma or third party involvement.

A post mortem found that he died of cardiorespiratory failure, with evidence of bronchopneumonia, cardiomyopathy and chronic liver disease.

The concentration of methadone in his system was considered moderate but his medical conditions made him more vulnerable to its effects.

Blackpool and Fylde assistant coroner Louise Rae recorded a narrative conclusion based on the circumstances of Mr Blythe’s death, taking into account naturally occurring disease and methadone toxicity.