'Dedicated paramedic' from Andover died of accidental overdose on Father's Day

Derek Paul Quarrier, who worked at Andover Ambulance Station, was found dead at his home in Grateley by his South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) colleagues on the morning of June 20, last year, after he failed to turn up for work.

The 52-year-old had last been seen the previous morning, when he clocked off from his shift at around 2am, and was in “good spirits”, Winchester Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday (April 5).

A toxicology report showed that, at the time of his death, Mr Quarrier had a level of cocaine in his system which was indicative of fatality, as well as small amounts of other drugs thought to be used for “therapeutic” purposes.

Dr Richard Crane of Andover Medical Centre, where Mr Quarrier was an “infrequent attender”, said that he had a history of migraines and high blood pressure, suspected osteoarthritis in his left hip, and had previously presented with low moods and depressive episodes.

However, there was “no evidence of him reporting use of illicit substances”.

Keith Boyes, head of operations for north and mid Hampshire at SCAS, said that colleagues had reported that Mr Quarrier was his “normal self” in the days leading up to his death.

“He was a much-loved and respected colleague who will have touched the lives of the many patients he will have encountered,” he said.

Mr Quarrier’s son, Reuben, added that his dad was “always honest” with him and his brother, Caelan.

Reuben said: “I know work had been getting on top of dad in recent months."

However, Reuben added that the father-of-two had lost his own dad when he was in his thirties, and was therefore determined to have a long and close relationship with his own sons. They were all looking forward to an upcoming annual trip to Cornwall in summer 2021.

“He had plans for the future and he was really looking forward to them,” he said.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to Andover paramedic after unexpected death

Assistant coroner Simon Burge said that it was “not disputed” that cocaine toxicity was the cause of death.

Reaching a conclusion of accidental death, he said: “I am persuaded that Mr Quarrier had everything to live for. He had some medical issues, but they were not new or causing him acute pain, and most importantly he had a good relationship with his two sons and they were about to go away.”

He continued: “I am not persuaded that Mr Quarrier intended to take his own life. He was, however, careless and I find as fact that he had underestimated the effect that the cocaine he took, coupled with the other drugs he was taking for medicinal purposes would have on his system.

“Therefore, on the balance of probabilities, I conclude that this was an accidental death.”

The coroner added: “It only leaves me to offer my sincere condolences to members of his family, and to his colleagues.”

Following his death, more than £1,000 was raised for his family, and a memorial event took place in the town.

Paying tribute, the Andover Ambulance Station team said: “Derek was a warm smile on a dark day. A hug when you needed it the most. He could make you laugh when you were feeling low and would listen when you needed to talk. He was a fantastic clinician, an amazing colleague but an even better friend.

“We will treasure the memories we shared and the impact he has had on staff at Andover cannot be underestimated. His practical jokes and sense of humour that helped keep morale high on difficult days will become stories to share and his memory will live on throughout those he has inspired.”

• Coping with the death of a loved one isn’t easy – and grief can be exacerbated when the death becomes public record. But there are important reasons why inquests are held in public and why the press attends and reports on them. For more details about inquests and why we report them, click here.

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