Former Telford soldier was found dead by partner in Willenhall
A former serviceman who served in the 2nd Battalion Light Infantry and the Royal Logistics Corps had struggles and died
A former soldier with drinking issues was found dead by his partner at a property, an inquest has heard.
Keith Ian Cotton, of Dawley Road, Dawley, Telford, was confirmed dead by paramedics called to the address in Rose Hill Gardens, Rose Hill, Willenhall near Walsall on March 21 this year.
The 55-year-old had served in the 2nd Battalion Light Infantry and the Royal Logistics Corps serving overseas and in the Prison Service.
Black Country Assistant Coroner Joanne Lees said the medical cause of death was given as alcoholic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition caused by a combination of chronic heavy drinking and sudden starvation such as poor nutrition or throwing up.
The inquest held at Oldbury heard that Mr Cotton had been an alcoholic since leaving the forces and his family had reported that he regularly drank a litre of whisky and had appeared “emaciated” the last time his brother Darren saw him.
Mrs Lees said he had a history of alcohol depency syndrome, liver damage and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. A toxicology report found that he had 176 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood in his system. The legal limit for driving is 80.
She said his partner Inez Etherton stated that Mr Cotton, who was born in South Africa, had been feeling unwell the previous evening and had been throwing up. However, he declined to go to hospital. She phoned 999 after finding him collapsed in the early hours.
Mrs Lees said: “On the evidence I am satisfied that the post mortem examination toxicology as shown a pathological significant ketoacidosis had occurred prior to his death. He had high levels of alcohol in his system. I am satisfied that the medical cause of death verified his use of alcohol.”
She recorded a conclusion that death was alcohol related.
Paying tribute to Mr Cotton on Facebook The Buglers Association of The Light Division & Rifles posted: “On May 7 we had the honour and privilege to sound the Last Post and Reveille at the final parade of Keith Ian Cotton a veteran of the 2nd Battalion Light Infantry and the Royal Logistics Corps. The service was held at the West Chapel, Bushbury Crematorium, Wolverhampton followed by burial in Bushbury Cemetery.
“It was really well attended by family, friends and neighbours as well as veterans from the army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
“Keith was born in 1970 in Johannesburg to his parents Jean and Keith. They moved back to the UK in 1974 in the Taunton area as well as other places. At age 17 Keith joined the 2nd Battalion the Light Infantry and later he transferred to The Combat Photography Unit , The Royal Logistics Corps. He spent time in South Armagh, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Iraq, Belgium and many other locations.
“He left the Army in 2012 and returned to civilian life. Sadly he was taken far too young and his family expressed their heartfelt thanks to all relatives, friends and neighbours for the cards of condolence, words of comfort, kind support and sympathy shown to them during their recent sad time.
“Stand down Keith your duty is done.”
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