A British dad has died from poisoning whilst on a family holiday to Disney World in Florida. Philip Weybourne, 40, was found to have fatal levels of fentanyl in his blood, an inquest heard.
The tragedy occurred whilst the 40-year-old from Kent was on holiday with his wife and young son at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. After having a fantastic start to the trip with his family, the father then collapsed three days into the vacation at a bar.
He was rushed to hospital, where staff tried their best to save him but unfortunately his condition continued to deteriorate. Philip then died shortly after with an inquest now underway to ascertain the reason behind the tragic loss, reports the Mirror.
In a statement read at the hearing, his wife, Dorlyn Weybourne said: "We began our holiday at Disneyland, in Orlando, Florida, on May 20, 2022. On May 23, we woke up late and had no theme parks to attend on that day."
They then ate at the Boathouse restaurant in Orlando, where they had "the best lunch" and drank champagne.
Dorlyn added: "Afterwards we went on an amphibious car ride and to end our day we headed back to the hotel at about 5.30pm."
The wife then explained that her husband wanted to continue drinking once they got back to the hotel. After having a shower, Philip then attended the Yacht Club hotel at Epcot Resorts Boulevard by himself.
Two hours later, his wife says she got a knock on her hotel room door informing her that Philip had been taken to hospital in an ambulance. Recalling the moment she was told of his condition, she added: "I asked them if it was heat stroke or a heart attack."
The father was taken to AdventHealth Celebration, where he passed away with doctors informing Dorlyn that his death was due to cardiac arrest. However, an autopsy showed that Philip had fatal levels of Fentanyl in his system.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, which is much more potent than heroin, and very small amounts can cause severe clinical effects or death. Just two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose.
Reflecting on her findings, assistant coroner Catherine Wood said: "This must have been very difficult and distressing for Mr Weybourne's family. I don't know the circumstances that led up to his death as Mr Weybourne died in another country.
"He had no underlying health issues and I am content, after the findings of the autopsy, that his death was caused by fatal levels of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid used as a pain medication.
"I offer my sincere condolences to Mr Weybourne's family. It must have been a great shock and not something you needed to relive at the inquest. I hope you can begin to rebuild your lives."
The Weybourne family did not wish to comment further on Philip's death, saying at the inquest: "We spoke about Philip's life at his funeral. It is time for closure."
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