THE death of a young man in Reading is suspected to be drug-related.

Kurt Lancaster sadly died on March 30 this year at the Royal Berkshire Hospital at the age of 23.

An inquest was opened at Berkshires Coroner’s Court on Tuesday (August 15) to determine the cause of his death.

READ MORE: In the Dock: Thief stole bacon sandwiches from Pret A Manger in court

Coroner Alison McCormick said: “In terms of the background to his death, I understand that he had a past medical history which included alcohol abuse and also illicit drug use.

“I understand he was known to the local alcohol and drug abuse services but had recently failed to engage with them.

“In terms of a cause of death for Mr Lancaster, a doctor at the Royal Berkshire Hospital offers 1a) hypoxic brain injury due to 1b) cardiac arrest due to 1c) illicit drug use.”

Due to the drug-related cause of death offered by the hospital, a full inquest will need to take place.

READ MORE: Investigation launched after woman dies following catheter infection

An inquest is an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a death with the purpose being to find out who the deceased person was and how, when and where they died and to provide the details needed for their death to be registered.

This will take place on September 15 at the same court at 10am.

-

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org