An inquest has ruled that the death of Forest Gate electrician Lalji Kanji Vekaria, 49, was the result of an accidental overdose caused by a combination of alcohol and prescription painkillers.
Mr Vekaria, of St Stephen’s Road, was found unresponsive at a residential address on Park Avenue on October 4, 2024, where he had been working and socialising with a friend. Despite the efforts of paramedics who attempted resuscitation for nearly an hour, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Accidental Death Ruling
At East London Coroner’s Court on Tuesday (June 17), coroner Nadia Persaud ruled Mr Vekaria’s death was accidental and caused by fatal respiratory depression due to the combined effects of alcohol, oxycodone, and pregabalin.
“There is no evidence that Mr Vekaria would have taken the substances with an intention to end his life,” Ms Persaud told the court.
Struggled With Chronic Pain
The court heard Mr Vekaria had long suffered from chronic spinal pain, stemming from injuries that required “multiple operations and procedures,” as confirmed by Plashet Harmony Practice, his GP surgery in East Ham.
To manage his pain, he had been legally prescribed oxycodone, a strong opioid, and pregabalin, a medication used to treat nerve pain. While the pregabalin level was within therapeutic range, toxicologists were unable to determine the exact level of oxycodone in his system. However, his blood alcohol level was found to be twice the drink-drive limit.
A post-mortem examination found no evidence of natural causes, with the pathologist concluding that the mix of substances likely caused Mr Vekaria’s breathing to slow and eventually stop while he was asleep.
Family Tribute
One of Mr Vekaria’s sisters, speaking at the hearing, described him as:
“Outgoing, friendly, very loving and sociable… always happy to help others.”
She noted he had spoken to her via WhatsApp the day before his death, and showed no signs of distress or illness, stating: “There was nothing in that conversation that gave me cause for concern.”
Circumstances of the Incident
The court heard that on the day of his death, Mr Vekaria and a friend had been painting a residential property. After having dinner and consuming alcohol, he lay down due to back pain. His friend later discovered him unresponsive, after noticing he had stopped snoring.
Health Warning
Medical experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of mixing opioids with alcohol, which can lead to respiratory depression and sudden death, even at prescribed dosages.
The case serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those managing chronic pain, particularly when using strong prescription drugs in combination with alcohol.
If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug use or chronic pain, support is available. Speak to your GP, contact NHS 111, or reach out to addiction and pain support charities for help.
