An army veteran was tragically abandoned in a trolley where he later died after consuming a lethal mix of Class A drugs. Grant Goggins, 33, was left unconscious and exposed to the cold outside the Metcon Gym in Whitworth. A passer-by discovered him in this distressing state and immediately called for help. Despite the efforts made, Grant was pronounced dead at the scene.
Grant had been battling mental health issues for the past 12 years after experiencing a personal tragedy. He had struggled with bipolar disorder and had been in and out of services and hospitals before. Despite his challenges, Grant remained determined to overcome his struggles. He found solace in his religious beliefs, often reading the Bible and seeking refuge in Christian rehab centers. Unfortunately, each time he stopped using drugs, his mental health issues resurfaced, leading to the failure of his rehab placements.
Music was also a source of comfort for Grant, and he was a talented electric guitar player. He once selflessly gave his guitar to a homeless man to help him survive on the streets, demonstrating his generous nature. Last year, Grant successfully completed a Christian rehab program in Leicester and returned to Lancashire, committed to living a drug-free life. However, he faced housing issues and continued to engage with mental health services.
Just three days before his untimely death, Grant received news that a home had been found for him. However, unbeknownst to his family, he had already formed a close bond with someone living in his temporary accommodation. On the fateful night of November 9, Grant visited Graham Lomax’s flat in Whitworth along with a man named Stephen Porter. Both men were heavily under the influence of drugs. Unfortunately, Porter, who was summoned to appear at the subsequent inquest, failed to attend. Lomax, on the other hand, provided a hazy account of the events that night during the inquest.
Lomax confessed that he did not like Porter visiting his flat as he considered him a troublemaker. He had never met Grant before that night but described him as quiet. Lomax claimed he only became aware of Grant’s serious condition when Porter spoke out. He attempted to administer CPR and naltrexone, an opiate blocker used by heroin users. However, his hazy memory prevented him from recalling whether he had called emergency services. Lomax expressed deep remorse, apologizing to Grant’s family and acknowledging that he should have done more.
Shortly after Grant’s body was discovered, police launched a murder inquiry and identified Lomax and Porter from CCTV footage. The footage showed the two men pushing Grant in a trolley down Tongue Lane. Both individuals were arrested, although Porter remained silent, while Lomax attributed Grant’s overdose to himself.
However, a post-mortem examination revealed that Grant did not suffer any assault, nor was there evidence of a criminal offense in relation to the disposal of his body. Toxicology results confirmed that Grant died from a fatal overdose of multiple drugs, including heroin and cocaine. The combination of these drugs was deemed unpredictable and ultimately led to his tragic demise.
Grant’s family was devastated by the treatment he received during his final hours. They emphasized that Grant would always go out of his way to help others but was not shown the same kindness in return. They criticized the decision to place him in temporary accommodation, which exposed him to drug users just when he was striving to maintain his sobriety. Grant’s mother, Victoria, questioned the suitability of such accommodation for someone who was abstinent.
The coroner, Kate Bisset, recognized Grant as a beloved brother and son who had bravely fought his battles. She highlighted the enormity of his heart and expressed her dismay at the lack of compassion shown to him in his final moments. The inhumane act of callously abandoning him on the road was deeply troubling.
Grant’s family believes that there were many missed opportunities and gaps in the services he received over the years. They feel that if the appropriate support had been in place, Grant’s circumstances could have been different. As they navigate their overwhelming despair and heartbreak, they hope to raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.
It is crucial that we reflect on Grant Goggins’ story and the importance of providing holistic support to individuals facing mental health battles. The tragedy he endured serves as a reminder that compassion, understanding, and access to proper resources can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Let’s strive to ensure that no one faces the same fate as Grant – left alone and abandoned in their darkest moments.
