‘Hollyoaks’ actor Paul Danan’s cause of death revealed

It has been confirmed that Paul Danan died from the combined effects of prescribed and illicit drugs.

The actor passed away on January 15, aged 46. He was best known for his work on Hollyoaks, playing the character Sol Patrick, and also made appearances on reality TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island.

In March, an inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Avon Coroner’s Court. It was confirmed that he was “found unresponsive at his home address”, and that the provisional cause of Danan’s death was due to the combined toxicity of heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine, zopiclone, contributed to by benzodiazepine use.

Now, Assistant Coroner Debbie Rookes has ruled at a hearing that there was no evidence that Danan was trying to take his own life. Held at Avon coroner’s court in Flax Bourton, it also came to light that the actor was found unresponsive on the sofa in front of the television in his Bristol home. His body was identified by his partner, Melissa Crooks.

“Paul Danan was clearly much loved and is very much missed,” shared Rookes in a statement (via The Guardian). “Mr Danan had a long history of drug misuse and struggles with his mental health. His death was caused by a combination of drugs, both prescription and illicit.”

The coroner continued: “Paul had struggled with his mental health for many years. I don’t have any evidence before me that Paul intended to take his own life at this time. Therefore, the conclusion is misadventure.”

The outlet also shared that his mother, Beverley Danan, told the court: “Paul helped so many people from all walks of life but just couldn’t help himself in the same way. His smiling face and love of life will always be remembered.”

Danan had been open about his struggle with substance abuse in the past, and spoke candidly about his determination to recover while on The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019. There, he said he had faced the battle since he was a teenager, and would “work hard at it every day to keep in recovery”.

Following news of his passing, Independent Creative Management shared a statement that read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old. Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.”

It continued: “His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him. During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues”.

Advice and support around substance abuse can be found at Talk To Frank.

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