RECREATIONAL drug use could have had a part to play in the tragic death of a young man, an inquest heard.

Callum Page was found in his vehicle in Whitehall Close, Colchester on August 3.

Paramedics attended the scene but pronounced him dead at 12.56pm.

Det Insp Jamie Mills told the inquest into Mr Page’s death at Essex Coroner’s Court: “I was asked to attend the death of Callum Page as there were concerns the death was related to the use of substances.

“On my arrival there were police officers and an ambulance already in attendance.

“Callum Page was already in the back of an ambulance. His car was parallel to the pavement and properly parked.”

The court heard how Callum, who was 22, had driven a significant distance around Colchester before stopping at 5.26am where he stayed until a passer-by came across the car around 12.30pm.

Mr Mills added: “Officers had seen within the vehicle what appeared to be a green herbal substance and some white powder on the steering wheel. They were not examined for what they were.”

Post-mortem and toxicology reports found the cause of death to be a pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.

Opiate drug use was also considered to be a contributing factor in Callum’s death.

Assistant coroner for Essex, Jonathan Goodman recorded the verdict Mr Page died as a result of natural causes.

He said: “I have had evidence in relation to his car he had only recently bought a few months before.

“I am entirely satisfied that pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis are how Callum met his death.

“The suggestion that recreational drug may have been a factor is, of course, a possibility.

“One thing I am certain of is that Callum was looking forward to his future and had no wishes to end his life.

“Any use of legal or illegal drug use was something that he did not consider could or would lead him to his death.

“You all have my sincere condolences for the loss of your 22-year-old.”