Paul Dono Death: Paul Dono, a 46-year-old man who had endured years of homelessness and addiction, was found dead in a Travelodge in Stoke-on-Trent, just as he was on the verge of turning his life around. An inquest revealed the heartbreaking details of his life and untimely death, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the glimmer of hope that was cruelly extinguished.
Life on the Streets
Paul had been living in a tent, roughing it on the streets, battling the cold and the harsh realities of homelessness. His makeshift home was a tent pitched on Wolstanton Marsh, a place where he found some semblance of shelter. Despite these dire circumstances, he was a man who was well-liked by those who knew him. Friends and support workers described him as “lovely” and “fabulous,” a man who, despite his “demons” and “self-destructive” tendencies, left a lasting impression on those around him.
A Life of Addiction
From the tender age of 12, Paul struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. His dependency on these substances was severe, with the inquest revealing that he could consume up to three bottles of wine and whisky a day or spend £150 on heroin. On other occasions, he would drink sixteen cans of beer in a single day. These addictions led him down a path of repeated hospital visits—22 trips to A&E between May and October 2023 alone—most of which were alcohol-related. Despite his battles, Paul experienced periods of sobriety. During these times, he enjoyed simple pleasures: going to the gym, spending time with his dogs, and being with his family. However, the pull of addiction was relentless, and Paul continued to relapse, unable to break free from the cycle of substance abuse.
A Glimmer of Hope
In October of the previous year, Paul checked into the Travelodge on Longton Road, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent. Unknown to him, his support worker, Chloe Henshaw, had secured him a permanent home. She arrived at the hotel on October 25 to deliver the good news, only to discover Paul’s lifeless body. The timing was tragically ironic—just as Paul was about to take a significant step toward stability, his life was cut short.
The Inquest Findings
The inquest, led by Assistant Coroner Nicholas Walker, determined that Paul had died from a “sudden unexpected death including alcohol consumption.” Despite his long history of health issues—ranging from epilepsy and depression to acute pancreatic liver disease—these were not considered factors in his death. The toxicology report indicated that Paul was just over a quarter of the drink-drive limit at the time of his death. Walker noted that Paul’s decline began in late 2022 and accelerated into 2023. He acknowledged the complexity of Paul’s situation, including two previous suicide attempts, but concluded that Paul’s death was not a result of intentional harm but rather a consequence of his long-standing battle with alcohol addiction.
A Life Remembered
Paul Dono’s story is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of addiction and homelessness. It is also a tale of missed opportunities and the tragic timing that denied him the chance to rebuild his life. His death has left a void in the lives of those who knew and cared for him, a void filled with memories of a man who, despite his struggles, was remembered for his kindness and his potential for change.
