Young Wrexham man tragically died at Christmas, inquest told

Damion Mark Jones died in his flat on Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, in Acrefair on December 26, 2023. 

At County Hall in Ruthin on Thursday (September 5), an inquest was held into the 28-year-old's death. 

It heard that Mr Jones had uncharacteristically drank heavily on Christmas Day, including an entire bottle of wine in the early hours of Boxing Day, as he celebrated with family and friends. 

The following evening, Mr Jones was found unresponsive at home by his flat mate. Paramedics attended, but, sadly, Mr Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. 

A subsequent post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Jones had in his system 123 micrograms (mg) of alcohol in 100ml of blood (the legal driving limit being 80). There was a significantly higher concentration of alcohol in his urine, with the reading at 201mg. 

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There were also traces of cocaine found at a therapeutic level, and paracetamol at a non-therapeutic level. 

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The pathologist determined that the high alcohol level likely heightened toxic effects of the cocaine. He recorded a cause of death as sudden death due to cocaine and alcohol use. 

Kate Robertson, assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central, recorded a conclusion of drug and alcohol related death.

She said that the fact Mr Jones wasn't typically a heavy drinker likely worsened the effects of both the alcohol and cocaine. 

Family members who attended the inquest described Mr Jones, who had six sisters, as an "amazing uncle".

They said Mr Jones would "help anybody", was "always laughing" and "full of energy".