Natalie Doorbar, a 40-year-old recovering drug user described by loved ones as a 'lovely girl' with a 'heart of gold', died after relapsing on monkey dust. She was found dead in a home in Staffordshire on December 27 last year, having last been seen by her family on Christmas Day after spending six months away from drugs.
Inquest hears of struggles with substance misuse
An inquest into her death heard that Natalie had struggled with substance misuse from an early age. She began dabbling in drugs after entering a relationship while working as a hairdresser. After battling with her drug use, bipolar and ADHD, Natalie, who lived on Biddulph High Street, arrived back at the family home in 2025, The Sentinel reports. She appeared to be 'under the influence'. Natalie's mother recorded her behaviour and later showed her the footage. She apologised and swore not to take drugs ever again.
Her mother told the inquest: "She went back to her happy normal self again. She stuck to her word and didn't take any drugs. We had Christmas dinner together. She was the happiest I've seen her in years. Then she got herself ready and went out. That was the last time we saw her."
Emergency response and police investigation
Natalie sent her mother a text on Boxing Day promising that she 'would be back soon'. But tragedy struck after emergency workers received a 999 call at around 12.30pm the next day. PC Carly Statham, one of the first police responders to arrive at the scene at Diamond Close, in Biddulph, told the inquest: "It was reported that Natalie was hot, sweaty with purple lips and breathing shallowly. The callers later reported that she was no longer breathing. The call-taker instructed the group on how to perform CPR and where the nearest defibrillator was located."
Paramedics sadly declared Natalie dead at the scene and police began investigating her death. PC Statham continued: "Four other people were present in the property. They were all known to Natalie to varying degrees. Some were new acquaintances while she had known others for longer. They were all engaging in drug-taking behaviour that morning. I was told that they had purchased an eighth of monkey dust that morning. That is what they were all taking. Witnesses said Natalie had begun feeling paranoid and unwell. She removed herself from the living room to give herself some space and cool down. Someone mentioned Natalie had said she wanted to go home. However, she became dizzy and sat on the floor. Then the medical incident took place."
Toxicology and coroner's conclusion
Scorched foil packets consistent with drug use were found at the scene. A number of snap bags were seized - all of which contained the components associated with monkey dust. Third-party involvement was ruled out given the physical evidence and Natalie's known history as a drug user. She had withdrawn £100 from her bank account earlier that day.
PC Statham added: "I had the benefit of having previously met Natalie a few years before. She was a drug user at the time. She had associates who were known drug users. But she had got back onto the right path and did not appear to be continuing her drug use. Things were seemingly back on track."
A toxicology report showed Natalie had monkey dust in her system, alongside recreational levels of cocaine, THC, and diazepam. Dr Mark Stefan said: "It's my view that death is due to the effects of MD-PHP, which is the common active ingredient in monkey dust. The mechanism of death was probably cardiac arrest."
Coroner Fiona Gingell concluded that Natalie suffered a drug-related death. Ms Gingell said: "There's no dispute that she had a history of using illicit drugs. But she had been on a better path for the last six months. Whilst I'm not a toxicologist, it's clear that her tolerance was perhaps not as strong as it had been while she was regularly using drugs. I think it's worth noting that nobody else present suffered the same consequences as Natalie. These drugs affect different people in different ways. There is always a significant risk and danger each time someone uses them. I'm satisfied that she took monkey dust of her own free will. It was accidental. She used these drugs and sadly died as a result."
She added: "I'm dreadfully sorry to meet the family under these circumstances. It's really clear that Natalie was a well-loved individual. She had a big family who cared for and supported her through difficult times. What makes it more sad is that she appeared to have been making really good progress. I'm so sorry for your loss."
