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An inquest has been formally opened into the death of Christopher Sedgewick, 39, who was found dead at his home above a pizza restaurant on Main Road, Romford, earlier this year.
Mr Sedgewick was discovered on 17 February, prompting an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service. However, senior east London coroner Graeme Irvine told a court hearing on Wednesday that “no sinister or criminal activity was detected.”
Cause of Death: Acute Alcohol Toxicity
While an initial post-mortem failed to establish a clear cause of death, police noted the presence of numerous empty alcohol bottles near the body. Toxicology tests were ordered, and months later, the results revealed the cause to be “acute alcohol toxicity”.
The pathologist also cited “alcohol-related fatty liver disease” and “long-term chronic alcohol misuse” as contributing factors.
“This is an unnatural cause of death,” Mr Irvine said during the brief inquest opening.
“Given those circumstances, I will open an inquest.”
Family Recognised as “Interested Persons”
Mr Sedgewick’s family have been granted legal status as “interested persons”, entitling them to access all evidence and raise questions during the final hearing.
The coroner asked the family to prepare a biographical statement about Mr Sedgewick and outline any concerns regarding the circumstances of his death.
Medical Records and Support History to Be Examined
Coroner’s officers have also been instructed to obtain Mr Sedgewick’s full medical records and to determine whether he had received support from any alcohol or substance misuse services.
Final Inquest Scheduled for September
The full inquest hearing is provisionally set for September, where the court will examine whether any steps could have been taken to prevent the death and whether lessons can be learned for future similar cases.
