A MAN found slumped over a keyboard in an internet cafe died of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome a week before his 39th birthday, an inquest has heard.
Daniel Phelan (38), Daisyhill, Novohal, Co Cork, died on November 28th, 2009, Cork City Coroner’s Court heard yesterday.
Described as a physically healthy individual, he entered the cafe on Winthrop Street in Cork city centre at 2.30am on the date of his death. He sat at a computer for about 10 minutes before using the toilet and returning to his seat. At 2.46 am, his body went limp and he slumped over the keyboard, CCTV footage showed.
Cafe manager Ian Gleeson, who noticed Mr Phelan at 3.30am, said he was unrousable and totally unresponsive.
Emergency services were called but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and Mr Phelan was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital shortly after 4am.
Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster found no evidence of heart disease and she attributed the death to sudden death syndrome, with a “very likely” latent electric abnormality of the heart, triggered by alcohol.
Mr Phelan had a blood alcohol level of 188mg per cent, placing him in the “binge drinking” category, said Dr Bolster.
“Anything over two drinks and you are entering dangerous territory if you have a latent heart abnormality,” she said.
Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane returned a verdict of misadventure as Mr Phelan had taken a drink with no knowledge it could result in his death.