Scientist killed himself by swallowing a chemical so deadly that pathologists refused to carry out a post-mortem because it would have been too dangerous
A scientist killed himself by taking a chemical so deadly pathologists refused to carry out a post mortem because it would have been too dangerous for them, an inquest has heard.
David Shingler, 54, was found in his Suzuki car in Oulton, Staffordshire, on May 26 after taking a large bottle of the highly toxic powder from his place of work and swallowing it.
Cannock Coroners’ Court heard that the chemicals were so dangerous, firefighters were called to Royal Stoke University Hospital after his body was delivered to the mortuary in order to protect staff.
The inquest this week was also told that no post mortem was ever carried out – as doctors said it would be too hazardous to their own and the public’s health.
Married Mr Shingler, of Barlaston, was a surface scientist who had worked at Penkhull-based materials testing company Lucideon for 31 years
The inquest heard Mr Shingler had been treated by his GP for anxiety and depression in 1994 and in the years since 2010.
He was discovered in his Suzuki Alto car by paramedics who tried to revive him but he was confirmed dead at the scene in Cross Lane, Oulton, on May 26 – the day after he had taken the poisonous substance from his work place to use at a job.
South Staffordshire Coroner Andrew Haigh gave the cause of death as suicide by poisoning.
Detective Sergeant Ian Whitehouse told the hearing a bottle containing the substance was recovered from the vehicle.
But he stressed: ‘It was double bagged due to its contents.
‘There appeared to be a thin layer of white dust across the dashboard.’
When asked by the coroner if he thought Mr Shingler knew what he was doing, DS Whitehouse replied: ‘I would say he would have been experienced, having worked at Lucideon for the amount of time he had.’
Firefighters had to be called to the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s mortuary to protect staff following a ‘chemical-related’ death.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman confirmed they too attended the mortuary last May in connection with a ‘suspected chemical-related death’.
He added: ‘Officers were on site together with colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and University Hospitals of North Midlands following the sudden death of a man.
‘The mortuary was closed to allow fire officers to carry out tests.
‘Emergency services staff who attended the sudden death, and mortuary staff, were checked over as a precaution. The hospital remained open as normal.’
Firefighters remained at the mortuary from 9.45am to around 6.30pm.
Mark Walchester, station manager at Newcastle Fire Station, said at the time: ‘Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the mortuary of Royal Stoke University Hospital.
‘Fire officers used specialist equipment to carry out tests at the mortuary to assist with a police investigation.’
On Wednesday this week, coroner Mr Haigh concluded that Mr Shingler committed suicide while depressed.
Speaking after Mr Shingler’s death his wife, Angela Shingler, said he had suffered from depression.
She said: ‘He had been suffering and had talked of suicide. It’s such a huge shock and a huge loss.
‘He was very popular at work. He was successful and we are all very proud of him. It’s very sad that he was in so much pain and misery.’
Lucideon chief executive Tony Kinsella said after his colleague’s death: ‘David Shingler was a valued colleague and employee at Lucideon.
‘He was a surface scientist and had been a member of staff here for 31 years.
‘Understandably, we are deeply upset by his death, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family.’
-dailymail.co.uk