The family of a Burnley man have been praised for their “selfless” decision to “save lives” by donating his organs shortly after his death.
An inquest was held at Preston Coroner's Court looking into the death of James Barker, who died in January aged 32.
James was described as being “much loved by his family and everyone who knew him” and enjoyed spending time with his children and cooking meat, often competing with his dad as to who could make the best burgers.
Prior to his death, James had travelled to Thailand and had been in good spirits when he returned in the build-up to Christmas.
Evidence given by the doctor who treated him revealed how James arrived at Preston Royal Hospital having suffered a cardiac arrest while working as a chef.
The court heard how someone began giving him CPR, which resulted in him retaining circulation for 30 minutes.
However, the completion of a CT scan of his brain revealed a serious haemorrhage and suggested early hydrocephalus (a build-up of fluid in the brain which increases pressure on the brain).
After his death, he was transferred to the theatre for organ donation.
Area coroner Kate Bissett said: “Whoever found him gave him a really good chance as they got the heart going and he was breathing.
“They enabled those organs to be available, and I think it is a credit to you all and the type of people you are to make that incredibly difficult decision [to donate his organs].
“What a selfless thing for you to consider. Three people have already been helped, three lives saved.
“What wonderful people you and he were to do that when it was such a difficult time.
“There is a part of him that is still going somewhere.”
Following his death, a sample of his blood was taken to Sheffield, and the blood concentration revealed evidence of previous cocaine use, however, this was not prior to his death.
Coroner Bissett said that the drugs had been taken socially, and they did not cause the bleed to take place but was an indirect factor.
When concluding, she said: “I have to consider the role of drugs. Whilst they did not cause the death, I am satisfied that previous use of cocaine has meant his body is more likely to have behaved in that way.
“There is no safe dose, and he was just unlucky and something he never foresaw as a possible consequence.”
She offered the narrative conclusion that James Barker died as a result of bleeding in his brain. His bleeding was contributed to by previous cocaine use.
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