A Darlington man in his 40s was found "unexpectedly" dead at his partner's house, an inquest heard.
Steven Cruickshanks' body was discovered by his partner Victoria Edwards at her home in Thornley, County Durham on July 23.
An inquest into his death, which was opened at Crook Coroners' Court on Monday (October 13), heard that Steven, 44, was living in receipt of benefits.
A post-mortem examination found that his death was caused by a combination of drugs and alcohol.
Coroner's officer Jacqueline Orpen told Crook Coroners' Court: "This 44-year old male was born on April 4, 1981 at Barnard Castle. Mr Cruickshanks was in receipt of benefits.
"He resided in Darlington, County Durham. He died on July 23, 2025 in Thornley.
Read more:
"I understand the circumstances to be that Mr Cruickshanks was found unexpectedly deceased at his partner's address in Thornley.
"On July 29, 2025, Dr Nigel Cooper conducted a post-mortem examination at Newcastle RVI Mortuary and gave the cause of death as follows.
"The effects of a combination of drugs and alcohol."
A full inquest into Steven's death will take place at 10am on November 26 at Durham Leadership Centre in Spennymoor.
Share