A BBC chef was found dead in an overgrown part of a London graveyard after taking a "cocktail of drugs", an inquest heard. Christopher Wheeler, who appeared on Great British Menu and Saturday Morning Kitchen, was reported missing by his partner in February.
Tragically, workers at Brompton Cemetery in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea found the 52-year-old's body two days later. An inquest into his death found the father-of-two perished from asphyxiation.
Toxicology findings
Dr Limon Nahar from Imperial College London told the Inner West London Coroner's Court this week that toxicology tests detected methamphetamine, amphetamine and ketamine in his system. While the substances weren't present at lethal concentrations, they were deemed a contributory factor in his death.
During the initial probe, investigators couldn't eliminate foul play, which prompted a comprehensive forensic examination. CCTV had shown Christopher had entered the cemetery alone, and police were immediately called to the scene. It was found that there was no third-party involvement, the Express reports.
Police and forensic investigation
Detective Sergeant James Cole from Metropolitan Police CID told the hearing: "Due to the circumstances of where the body was found... I requested an Operational Forensic Manager." The forensic specialist determined no third party was involved. Pathologist Dr John Firth discovered no evidence of injury or altercation.
Christopher had a background of mental health struggles but had no medical documentation suggesting he had previously misused substances. The coroner dismissed the possibility of suicide due to a lack of history of self-harm, absence of a suicide note and no evidence indicating he intended to end his life.
Family tribute and verdict
The court recorded an open verdict. Christopher's two daughters and the rest of his family remembered him as a "gentle and kind" individual, a "truly sunny soul", who not only took pride in his work but also prioritised time with his loved ones.
