Former Staffordshire college pupil dies of drug related death in America

Blake Hunter Wilding was born in Texas but came to live in Rugeley and went to college in Stafford before returning to the states.

But he had a history of drug abuse, even serving time in prison in America for possession, and in July last year fell gravely ill before dying of ‘overwhelming sepsis’ on August 4.

Coroner's officer Steve Finney said: "Blake had been using drugs two years ago and was arrested for possession and served a prison sentence in Dallas. He had not had any other major health problems.

"On Friday July 29th, 2016, Blake came downstairs and stated he felt unwell with flu like symptoms. Again on the 31st of July he came downstairs and was unwell. He appeared to have a seizure and his family dialled 911. His right arm appeared very swollen."

It was thought Blake had an abscess on his arm which had become infected. He was taken to Baylor Medical Centre after being diagnosed with sepsis by a paramedic and on August 1 moved to an intensive care unit after being told the infected area had to be cut away.

Blake was put on dialysis to remove toxins from his blood and initially appeared to respond well. But then he deteriorated and passed away on August 4.

Coroner Andrew Haigh said: "On the balance of probabilities taking the fact we know Blake was a drug user otherwise he was believed to be healthy, I take the view this is a drug related death."

The medical cause of death was given as overwhelming sepsis.

A tribute to Blake on an obituary website states: "He will always be remembered as a loving son, cousin and nephew and a kind, compassionate and humorous friend.

"He was the only child born to Frank and Sharyn Wilding on March 30, 1988 in Grand Prairie, Texas, USA.

"He attended Oak Ridge School and Lamar High School and attended college in Stafford, England.

"He was an idealist and was an entrepreneur at heart.

"Blake loved people and was always searching for the meaning of life.

"He had the opportunity to travel all over the world and had an avid interest in other cultures.

"Blake's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of his life far exceeded the time he was here on Earth.

"His gentle smile and beautiful laughter, and sense of humor brought so much joy to his family and friends.

"Blake is survived by his parents Frank and Sharyn Wilding of Dallas, Texas and his aunts, uncles and cousins, too many to count. He was preceded in death by his grandparents."