An 'intelligent' and 'loved' young man was found dead at his flat in Trafford after taking methadone and cocaine, an inquest heard.
Dylan Matson, 20, was found dead in his bedroom at his flat in Timperley on March 30 of this year after his foster parents, whom he referred to as 'mum and dad', became concerned after he stopped answering his phone. South Manchester Coroners Court heard this morning (Tuesday September 27) how post mortem examinations showed Dylan 'likely' died of a 'fatal' combination of methadone and cocaine, which had a 'toxic effect' on his heart.
Dylan had suffered 'tragic' early years, before being fostered aged six, foster parents Mr and Ms Smith told the court. They outlined how Dylan faced challenges in his schooling due to an attachment disorder, and turned to drugs and alcohol on and off to deal with his problems - especially after he was expelled from mainstream schooling aged 14.
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Mr and Ms Smith told the court that Dylan came to live with them at the age of six. In a statement, Mr Smith described Dylan as a 'very bright' child who loved cricket and Manchester City football club. He said Dylan was diagnosed by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) with an attachment disorder, which contributed to challenges he faced during his schooling.
He said Dylan was 'very intelligent' but a 'lack of support and understanding' of his attachment disorder from his school meant he struggled to settle in, and was often perceived as 'disruptive'. The court heard how Dylan had been bullied in school, before being expelled at age 14 and sent to a specialist school, where he began to use drugs and alcohol.
Coroner Alison Mutch read out a statement from Dylan's social worker Jason Smith, who explained how Dylan had moved into his own flat in Timperley over Christmas of 2021, with continued support from his foster parents, social services, and his Pure Insight mentor. The court heard how Dylan misused drugs and alcohol through periods of his life, but engaged with services and seemed 'disappointed' in himself when he used them, regularly seeking support.
Dylan also had 'a number of consultations' at his North Trafford GP practice in 2021, leading to a referral to mental health services for alcohol and cocaine use. He was referred to primary mental health services in February 2022, and discharged from Greater Manchester Mental Health services.
The court heard how Dylan, of Deansgate Lane, Timperley, called his foster dad on the evening before his death complaining of heartburn, and then didn't call back. His foster parents became concerned after he failed to answer his phone and notified the police, who later found him dead at his flat.
Police Coroner's Officer Claire Smith said there was 'no evidence' of third party involvement in Dylan's death, and there was 'absolutely nothing to suggest' that Dylan intended to take his own life.
"Dylan had a lot of struggles in his life, but he was loved," his foster mum said. "He loved cricket, travelling, he was an avid reader as a child. He was very much loved by us."
Coroner Mutch concluded that Dylan's death was an accident caused by 'combined drug toxicity' from methadone and cocaine.
Addressing Dylan's foster parents, she said: "I know how upsetting it has been to lose Dylan who you spent so much time with and who you loved so much as a family.
"I think this was a tragic accident. I don't think Dylan intended to end his life that night. I am sorry that he never had a chance to live through this period. With the support from you and other people in his life I think he would have been able to move forward, but this accident has brought that to a halt."
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