A “devoted” father from High Wycombe died from alcohol toxicity, an inquest heard this week.

Samuel White, 42, of Carolina Drive, was found slumped on his sofa at home by his son on the morning of January 31 this year.

Paramedics were called and performed CPR on Mr White but sadly it was unsuccessful.

The inquest, which took place at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court on Wednesday (June 23), heard Mr White was “known to have alcohol dependence” and his blood ethanol level was 392mg/100ml.

A report from one of his GPs read out in court said Mr White, a “gifted architect”, had seen a private therapist in 2019 and had been dealing with emotional issues and anxiety.

But, the GP added, there was no concern at that stage of suicidal thoughts.

And in another consultation in April 2020, it was reported Mr White had anxiety over alcohol withdrawal.

The inquest was told Mr White was put on mirtazapine, an antidepressant, and experienced side effects from it.

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In one instance, he was found “confused” on the floor of his bathroom and was “unable to recall the details of the event” and it was noted he could have taken more than one mirtazapine tablet.

Mr White described an improvement when he came off the medication, the court heard.

His GP said there were concerns about Mr White feeling stressed and anxious, and that there were “issues about his former wife”.

A report by Thames Valley Police, read out to the court, said Mr White’s son came downstairs just before 11am on January 31 and found his father slumped on the sofa. The court also heard he was “cold to the touch”.

In a heartbreaking tribute, his family said in a statement read out at the inquest: “Sam was the devoted father of two beautiful children. He had raised them single-handedly since they were just toddlers.

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“Sam was also a gifted architect and had risen to the role of director within an internationally significant practice. He was a valued colleague and mentor.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief from so many people whose lives he touched.”

Assistant Bucks coroner Nick Graham recorded a conclusion of alcohol related death, adding; “There is no suggestion in my mind there was any intention to take his own life.”

His medical cause of death was recorded as acute alcohol toxicity.