A coroner has ruled that the late Hollyoaks star Paul Danan’s death was by ‘misadventure’.
The actor, who played Sol Patrick in the Channel 4 soap between 1997 and 2001, passed away on January 15th.
His management confirmed the sad news in a statement, writing: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old.
‘Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.
‘His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.
‘During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time.’
The police later confirmed they were not treating Paul’s death as suspicious.
His funeral, attended by his former Hollyoaks co-star Terri Dwyer and Boyzone singer Shane Lynch took place at Waltham Abbey in Essex six days later.
It has now been stated that the actor, who also appeared on Celebrity Love Island and the Big Brother equivalent, was found unresponsive after consuming a cocktail of drugs, including cocaine and heroin.
An inquest heard that his friends raised the alarm after they hadn’t heard from him for two days. A neighbour then climbed a ladder to see into his property, and found him slumped on the sofa with the television still on.
His body was then identified by partner Melissa Crooks.
Friends and cast members from Hollyoaks later created a Just Giving page to help raise money for Paul’s son DeNiro.
The crowdfunding page, set up to support nine-year-old DeNiro, aimed to raise £10,000 and has already accumulated £8,350 at the time of writing.
An emotional message encouraging visitors to donate – penned by ‘Friends of Pauly’ is visible on the website.
‘There was NO ONE like Pauly’ it reads.
‘His excitement and vitality for life were magnetic. He was warm, kind, funny – actually hilarious, vulnerable, self-deprecating and captivating.
‘Being his friend was a visceral experience, and I defy anyone to close their eyes and picture Pauly with anything but that huge, cheeky, dimpled smile.
‘NEVER one to conform or do anything in an expected or generic way, Paul really was the most ‘Extra’ and unique person you could ever meet.
‘It’s no secret that he struggled and lost his way at times, but in his true essence, the REAL Pauly, would do anything for anyone no matter what.
‘Whether you knew him from school, Hollyoaks, Love Island, Celebrity Big Brother, his rehab journey, or you were just lucky enough to cross paths, he’s sure to have left a gaping Pauly-shaped hole in your heart right now.
‘But he has also left behind a 9 year-old son – DeNiro, and a devastated family. This page has been set up in Paul’s memory, to make his son’s journey a little bit easier.
‘Please give what you can.’
One of the benefactors is Sarah Jayne Dunn, who played Mandy Richardson in the soap between 1996 and 2021. She wrote: ‘The world has lost such a beautiful energy and I’m so glad we crossed paths in this lifetime. Love to Paul’s family.’
‘Such heartbreaking news. So much love and deepest condolences to your family’ added actress Ali Bastian, who played Becca Dean.
Lewis Richardson actor Ben Hull contributed: ‘Rest in peace my friend. Luff you Pauly.’
Former producer Jo Hallows said: ‘Desperately sad loss of one in a million RIP.’
‘Bombhead’ star Lee Otway wrote: ‘You were one of a kind Paul. A rare diamond. Rest in peace mate.’
