A 25-year-old man died after accidentally overdosing on caffeine tablets, an inquest has ruled. Alfie Goddard suffered a cardiac arrest after taking the capsules, which he had bought online.
Details of the incident
Alfie Goddard, 25, bought caffeine capsules online and took them before his death on October 28, 2025. He was rushed to hospital after being spotted in a delirious state, walking barefoot and vomiting blood in the street. He died of a cardiac arrest in hospital.
Mr Goddard, who lived with ADHD, drug-induced psychosis, paranoid schizophrenia, and autism, resided in a supported accommodation block in Colchester, Essex. At Essex Coroner’s Court, coroner Lincoln Brookes ruled his death as accidental.
Toxicology and police findings
The court heard that a toxicology report found Alfie with a concentration of caffeine ‘well within the fatality bracket’ associated with caffeine-related deaths.
Alfie had tried to call 999 while experiencing the psychotic episode on the day of his death, but he was unable to speak clearly. Staff at International House, his supported living complex, called emergency services instead. Paramedics and police arrived to attempt to restrain him and took him to hospital, but he sadly died.
A police search of his room found an array of caffeine tablets. Inspector Tom Bastendorff from Essex Police said: ‘The items seized from Alfie’s flat were several capsules which contained caffeine. It is my belief he took these capsules, which led to the erratic behaviour.’
Family and coroner's statements
Craig Capener, from the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said the hospital had been unaware of the quantities and types of caffeine he was buying.
Mr Goddard’s sister Daisy said Alfie had an ‘addictive personality’ and had been unaware of the harmful effects of caffeine. She told the inquest: ‘His vulnerabilities made it very dangerous when he could and would buy one product he wanted online. He ordered in bulk and became fixated on various supplements and health products despite the family’s attempts to moderate his consumption.’
Concluding the inquest, coroner Lincoln Brookes said: ‘Alfie Goddard inadvertently died of caffeine toxicity, having taken a large number of caffeine tablets at his home earlier that day. He had been diagnosed for a number of years with paranoid schizophrenia, autistic spectrum disorder, and ADHD against a background of polysubstance misuse.’
Alfie’s sister remembered him as ‘kind and sensitive’, adding: ‘We miss him every day. He faced complex mental health challenges, but was resilient and a true one-of-a-kind. Alfie’s autism and ADHD made him vulnerable to substance misuse, including caffeine and health supplements. His accidental death underscores the danger of unlabelled caffeine tablets and powders that can be bought easily online. These are super-strong with questionable origin, but because they’re legal, people don’t realise how dangerous they are.’
Memorial tribute
A spokesperson for International House said: ‘Alfie is greatly missed by everyone who knew him, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time. To honour his memory, we have created a memorial garden where his friends and loved ones can spend time and remember him. We hope it will be a lasting tribute to Alfie and offer comfort to all those who continue to feel his loss.’
