A ‘MUCH-LOVED’ dad died after taking a cocktail of drugs, an inquest heard.

Craig Hollingsworth, who was born in Whalley, was found dead at a friend’s home on Norman Street, Blackburn, on October 9.

An inquest held in Blackburn Town Hall was told the 42-year-old, who lived in Brothers Street in the town, had taken epilepsy and anxiety medication Pregabalin, MDMA (liquid ecstasy) and anti-depressant Amitriptyline.

The inquest heard that Mr Hollingsworth had recently gained employment after 10 years of being out of work but that finished after he suffered a chest infection.

It heard how he left home on October 7 and had gone to a friend’s house and told his friend that he had taken tablets including MDMA and had some other pills.

After seeming okay on October 8, Mr Hollingsworth reported feeling sick in the early hours of October 9 and was later found deceased at his friend’s house.

A post-mortem examination recorded Mr Hollingsworth’s medical cause of death as drug toxicity.

Assistant coroner Richard Taylor said: “Craig had taken a cocktail of drugs that ended his life.

“There is no evidence here that this was suicide.

“He was known to use drugs in one kind or the other and has done in the past with other people.

“So we have a situation where a young man has taken a cocktail of drugs and it’s ended his life.”

Recording a conclusion of drug-related death, Mr Taylor added: “I conclude that Mr Hollingsworth died at Norman Street, Blackburn, on October 9 last year, having ingested an excess of drugs.”

Mr Hollingsworth’s family paid tribute to the dearly loved son of Paul and Jacqui, much-loved dad to Macauley, and loving brother to the late Brent.

They said: “Craig will be sadly missed by all his family, friends and partner.”