An inmate at HMP Parc in Bridgend died of natural causes after being found unresponsive in his cell, an inquest has concluded. David Carl Ridgeway, 51, was serving a sentence at the privately-run prison when he died in October 2024.
Timeline of events
Pontypridd Coroner's Court heard that Mr Ridgeway, who was born in Birmingham, was last seen alive at around 12.30pm on October 7, 2024. A welfare check at 1.45pm found him unresponsive on the toilet alone in his cell, with a small amount of vomit on him.
Prison staff and paramedics attempted to resuscitate Mr Ridgeway, but their efforts were unsuccessful and he was declared dead.
Medical history and cause of death
The inquest was told that Mr Ridgeway had a history of suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and substance misuse. A post-mortem examination found that he died as a result of COPD.
Assistant coroner David Regan, concluding the inquest in writing, ruled that Mr Ridgeway died of natural causes.
Prison background
HMP Parc is privately run by G4S. WalesOnline has approached the company for comment.
