A dad who died after being found unresponsive in Newsham Park was "a big kid" who "would do anything for his family".
Gary Scarth, from Fairfield, died at the Royal Liverpool Hospital after being found in Newsham Park on April 25, 2022. A former labourer, Gary, 41, was a dad of five and a "big Liverpool fan". An inquest into his death took place at Gerard Majella Courthouse on Wednesday (October 12).
In April, Gary's sister Georgia Ferguson spoke to the ECHO to pay tribute to her brother. She said: “We were always having a laugh, he was a very happy and loving person. He would do anything for his family and friends.
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“Gary was a big Liverpool fan and when there were big games on we would always have parties at my house. He was loved by so many people and they are all welcome to attend his funeral when we get him home.”
At Wednesday's inquest, area coroner Anita Bhardwaj heard Gary was spotted in the park at 5.45am on April 25, by a member of the public who described him as "stumbling" and being "unsteady on his feet". At 8am, another passer-by saw Gary lying in the grass between the fishing lake and the main lake.
He was unresponsive and she said his skin was a "blue grey" colour, while his breathing was irregular. She contacted North West Ambulance Service and performed CPR on Gary.
The 41-year-old was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead at 9.24am.
The pathologist noted that Gary had not suffered any significant external injuries, just a graze on the bridge of his nose. The report suggested Gary had suffered a terminal heart failure.
Gary's sisters Siobhan and Georgia paid tribute to their brother in court. Siobhan said Gary was: "goofy, happy and hyperactive", while Georgia added that he was "a big kid and loveable".
In April and May, following Gary's death, tributes to him were left in Newsham Park. An area of the park was decorated by Georgia.
She left balloons, family photographs, flowers and a wooden plaque with a replica of the top of Anfield's Shankly Gates attached. The plaque also features the message: "Gary Scarth 08/12/1980 - 25/04/2022 Always in our hearts. You'll Never Walk Alone."
A post-mortem toxicology report found a number of drugs in his system, including a low level of cannabis, as well as medium levels of morphine and cocaine.
The pathologist gave Gary's medical cause of death as cocaine use. Ms Bhardwaj explained to the court: "Even though the levels (of cocaine in his system) weren't toxic, the effect it can have on your heart is such... it can stop your heart straight away". The Assistant Coroner concluded that Gary's was a drug-related death
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