A homeless man made a final bed for his beloved dog before dying outside Costa. Jonathan Ellerington, 41, and his dog, Teddy, were well known by locals before his tragic death days before Christmas.
The tragic incident occurred last year in the run-up to Christmas, with a recent inquest aiming to determine the reason behind the 41-year-old's death. The inquest heard that CCTV showed Jonathan arriving outside Costa and sitting down on the evening of December 17.
He could be seen making up his bed, and one for his dog Teddy. At around 8.30pm he could be seen slumping and appearing to lose consciousness, reports Hull Live.
Over the new few hours, several people tried to check in on him and even left food for him but he was unresponsive. Jonathan was discovered dead and lying on the pavement of Hull city centre on December 18 2021.
Following his passing, a post-mortem examination found Jonathan had potentially lethal levels of heroin in his system. Alongside that evidence showed there was also methadone, painkillers and sedatives, which would have affected his breathing and slowed his heart.
The inquest heard last week that the homeless man was desperate to kick his drug habit, so that he could see his daughter. Describing his brother as a "loveable guy", Jon's sister said: “Jon did get off the drugs from time to time and would go cold turkey, but it would never last.
"He actually got clean for two years because he wanted to stay in touch with his daughter. During that time he managed to get work at Wren Kitchens and Crown Paints."
In a statement, she added: "He would also look after my boys sometimes. He was such a loveable guy and was always seen as the fun uncle.
"He was also a bit of a joker.” The inquest heard that the father was not in fact homeless but had a home where he lived with his partner.
However, on occasion, he would take his dog to the city centre and sleep rough. His sister added: “Jon met his partner a few years ago and they remained together up until the day he died.
"Jon was never homeless. But he would sometimes go into the city with his dog and would end up sleeping there on the streets.”
Shortly after his death Hull Live was told a desperate bid was made to find shelter for Jon just days before he was found dead, after a passer-by was concerned by his plight in the cold temperatures. Sophia Jama contacted Hull City Council and homeless charity Emmaus about the 41-year-old's situation.
She claims that she was told there was no accommodation available because Jon was with Teddy. At the time, Hull City Council expressed its condolences to Jon's family and stressed that provision was available for those with pets and who were homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Emmaus also issued a statement saying it believed Jon had access to accommodation before the tragedy. The inquest heard evidence from the Costa Cafe worker who found Jonathon on the morning of December 18.
When she turned up to work she saw what she thought was a bundle of clothing outside. She went outside later for a cigarette break and then realised someone was lying there, but she did not want to disturb him.
However, when she went back out a short time later to open up, she saw Jonathan had not moved and realised he was dead. Lorraine Harris, the area coroner, decided there was no evidence Jon intended to end his life and concluded his death was "drug related".
Mrs Harris said: “My sincere condolences go to his family, partner and everyone else who knew Jon. Seeing so many people here today is an indication of just how much he was loved.
"It is clear just how much so many people cared for him.”
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