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An inquest has been opened into the death of Darrell Michael Wright, who died after inhaling smoke during a house fire at his home in Belgrave Avenue in the early hours of 30 April.
The 63-year-old was formally named as the victim during a hearing at East London Coroner’s Court on Monday, 23 June, following a referral by the Metropolitan Police Service.
Coroner’s officer Jean Smyth told the court that London Fire Brigade had alerted police after being called to the blaze shortly before 4.40am. Firefighters from Harold Hill, Romford, Hornchurch, and Dagenham responded to the emergency.
Mr Wright was found unresponsive on the ground floor by emergency crews, who attempted to resuscitate him. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A woman had managed to exit the property before fire crews arrived and was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. Another man at a neighbouring property was also treated for smoke exposure.
Fire Deemed Non-Suspicious
Police later ruled out foul play, handing the case to the coroner. The London Fire Brigade confirmed the fire had spread across both the ground floor and first floor of the residential property.
A post-mortem examination determined that Mr Wright died as a result of severe coronary artery atherosclerotic disease and smoke inhalation.
Inquest to Continue in December
Coroner Nadia Persaud said:
“I’m satisfied on those facts this death occurred in circumstances requiring an inquest.”
She formally opened the inquest and adjourned proceedings to allow for further investigations. A final inquest hearing is scheduled for December.
Mr Wright’s family have been designated as “interested persons”, a legal status giving them the right to access evidence and participate fully in the proceedings, including questioning witnesses.
The coroner also requested statements and documentation from the fire brigade, police, ambulance service, Mr Wright’s GP, and his family as part of the ongoing investigation.
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