A MAN has died after being in downtime for 40 minutes after a cardiac arrest.

Yan Cofield died on April 23 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital at the age of 58.

An inquest opening took place at Berkshire Coroner’s Court on September 26 to determine to cause of his death.

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The court heard that Mr Cofield’s partner had left their property at about 5pm and noted Mr Cofield was ‘withdrawn’ which ‘wasn’t particularly unusual’.

She returned home at 9pm but could not open the door as it was blocked by Mr Cofield who was struggling to breathe.

Paramedics arrived and Mr Cofield was taken to the Reading hospital but on the journey he went into cardiac arrest.

A return of circulation was achieved after 40 minutes. However, it was felt that the consequence of the ‘downtime’ meant Mr Cofield had sustained a brain injury which was unsurvivable and his life support was withdrawn.

A post-mortem examination was carried out which offered a medical cause of death as combined toxic effects of heroin and cocaine and ischemic heart disease.

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At the same court, a full inquest will take place in the circumstances surrounding his death on November 20 at 2pm.