A TALENTED teenage rugby player was found dead at his supported lodgings after sniffing aerosols, an inquest heard.

Danny Collins, 17, had made his way through the ranks at Burnley RUFC and was studying carpentry at Accrington and Rossendale College.

He had followed his dad Lee, a former player and captain, to the club.

But Burnley Coroner’s Court heard that concerns for Danny’s welfare were raised on November 7 after he failed to respond to texts from his half-sister Laura Hadcroft.

Danny had been living in supported accommodation provided by the Stepping Stones charity in Chapel Street, Brierfield, after living in a children's home for a number of years.

One of his support workers, William Shaw, attended the Chapel Street property, the inquest heard, and found Danny's body on a settee.

The emergency services were alerted for the former Shuttleworth College student but it was soon established he had been dead for some time.

Later a post-mortem examination by Dr Abdul Dawoud would find that the teenager had butane, propane and iso-propane in his system.

The consultant pathologist said that the substances found disturbed either the body's respiratory system or heart functions and could often prove fatal.

Danny's mother Julie Hancock said: 'Why was my son allowed to go into a house on his own when he had previously done aerosols? It should never have been allowed'.

Health visitor Margaret Rushton told the court Danny had been in a children's home since the age of 10.

He had appeared to be making a successful transition to living independently at the time, she added.

Recording a misadventure verdict, Burnley's assistant deputy coroner Neil Cronin said it was clear Danny had not intended the fatal consequences of his actions while abusing solvents.

Tributes to the young player poured in following his death last November.

In a tribute posted on the Burnley Rugby Union Football Club Facebook page, his dad Lee said: “I have lost my son Danny. I don’t know why this has happened but I am devastated beyond words and I love and miss him with all my heart. Words cannot describe the pain I am feeling right now.”

John Hutchinson, the coach of the club’s senior colts team, said: “Danny will be missed by his team mates and the club as a whole.

“He was a keen, committed and talented young rugby player who has played at the club since being a young boy.

“Danny was a key member of the club’s colts (youth) team and also had started playing for the senior teams this season.

“We have already received messages of condolences from several rugby clubs across the North West who had played against Danny.

“The players, coaches and the wider Burnley Rugby Club family’s thoughts and prayers are with Lee and his family.”