'Tragic he chose that path'

Kyle, 27, found dead hours after discussing future with friends

- Sentinel Reporter

A YOUNG man died after taking 'excessive' amounts of cocaine.

Kyle Oldfield collapsed suddenly at about 9pm on April 25 and was confirmed dead at the scene.

The 27-year-old had started taking drugs at his home in Downey Street, Hanley, before he was taken ill at a friend's house in Stanley Street, Tunstall, later that day.

A medical examiner reported Mr Oldfield had cocaine levels 'similar to drug smugglers who have died after packages have ruptured in their stomachs.

Now an inquest has heard he started his binge after becoming overwhelmed by a series of problems in his personal life.