Paul Danan’s heartbreaking last Instagram post just days before he died
Late actor Paul Danan‘s tragic last Instagram post saw him tell his followers he forgot sometimes how much he needed to be “awoken”.
The former Hollyoaks star died age 46, it died on January 15, with an inquest into his death held on March 11. The reality TV star died from a cocktail of drugs including cocaine and heroin, a coroner heard at Avon Coroner’s Court.
Just a week earlier he had taken to the social media platform to act out a Shakespeare scene. Along with a video of his impressive scene work, he wrote: “Audition for A Twelfth Night to play Orsino. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone near a bit of the Master that is Our pioneer Sir William Shakespeare.
“You forget what a Genius he really was and remember how beautiful and exhilarating it is when you get stuck in to tackling his work. It’s an amazing experience! I forget sometimes how much i need to be awoken… #twelfthnight #stafford #shakespeare” The recital was applauded by his friend Calum Best and fans said “he’s still got it” and “awesome”.
The former Hollyoaks and Love Island star’s management confirmed the tragic news in a statement, which wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old. Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.
“His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him. During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time.”
Following the news breaking, tributes quickly poured in online. On Twitter/X, Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace wrote: “Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I’m so shocked and heartbroken…. my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories. RIEP u beautiful amazing talented human. #pauldanan”
The news of Paul’s death comes months after the star was rushed to hospital and given CPR after he suffered respiratory failure brought on by his addiction to vapes. At the time, his diagnosis was said to have been so bad that his family had been warned that “he might not make it”.
He also contracted pneumonia during his week in intensive care last year. At the time, he laid the blame for his health battle on his years of smoking.
Speaking of the health scare at the time, he told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “I was dead – it’s a miracle I’m here. I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed. My family called for an ambulance and started giving me CPR, then police arrived and took over before paramedics took me to hospital.
“I was on a machine in ICU and ended up with pneumonia. My family were warned I might not make it through the night. I’m so lucky. “The doctor was so, so harsh with me. She told me, ‘Paul, you don’t know how serious this was and you are going to be in here for a while now, on this oxygen.”
An inquest into Paul’s death was opened and adjourned before Maria Voisin, senior coroner for Avon, at Avon Coroner’s Court on Tuesday morning. Coroner’s officer Alexis Camp told the hearing that Paul was pronounced dead at his home in Brislington, Bristol, at 5.20pm on January 15.
His body was identified at the scene by his partner, Melissa Crooks. Ms Camp said: “The circumstances are that Mr Danan was found unresponsive at his home address. Emergency services attended and confirmed he had sadly died. A post-mortem has taken place and samples have been removed for further analysis.”
The court heard that the provisional cause of Paul’s death is combined toxicity of heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine and zopiclone, contributed to by benzodiazepine use. Ms Camp added: “I understand there are no family concerns.”
Statements will be taken from Paul’s GP, family, police, the ambulance service and inquiries are ongoing with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP), she said. Ms Camp said: “No note was left.” The coroner set a provisional date of May 28 for Paul’s full inquest hearing.
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