Charity worker died after taking cocaine in St Austell car park – Cornwall Live

A charity worker suffered a cardiac arrest and later died after taking cocaine at a car park in Cornwall.

Charlotte Martin, 41, who lived with her mother and step-father in Fore Street, Tregony, died on Monday, February 25, two days after she had a seizure in the passenger seat of her partners car in Priory Road car park, St Austell.

An inquest at County Hall, Truro, heard that Charlotte suffered a fit after taking cocaine in the car.

Her partner Mark Bailey had dragged her out of the car to perform CPR with the guidance of a 999 operative. He was joined by a passing taxi driver who heard him shouting for help.

They both worked on Charlotte until paramedics arrived and took over. She was rushed to the emergency department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, where it was found that the cardiac arrest had caused a devastating brain injury.

She died peacefully with her family around her two days later.

The inquest heard that Charlotte had a long history of drug use and had overdosed on cocaine in 1999 and 2001.

Shed had five treatment journeys with Addaction for alcohol, heroin and cocaine abuse.

She had recently got a job as an administrator with the Truro-based charity CLEAR, emotional trauma and therapy specialists, which she was enjoying.

Her mother Jackie Shell who was unaware of the extent of her daughters drug use said that Charlotte had started enjoying life after a period of depression.

DC Simon Hill said that Baileys car showed evidence of drug use, including needles.

The couple had met through taking recreational drugs and had been together for two years.

She had encouraged him to get a job and ironically after she died Bailey got a job with a plumbers.

On the night of her seizure, the pair had visited friends in St Austell, but had argued earlier in the day, going their separate ways, before meeting in the Priory car park.

DC Hill said that Bailey had been very guarded and had struggled to recall pertinent events on the night.

I put that down to him being under the influence of drugs," he said.

Assistant Cornwall coroner Guy Davies said that Charlottes death was due to the terrible consequences of drug abuse.

He said that she died as a result of drug abuse on the day and in all likelihood long-term drug use.

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Charity worker died after taking cocaine in St Austell car park - Cornwall Live