A ROMSEY marine engineer who was left in chronic pain by an accident died from an overdose of a mix of prescription drugs, a coroner has ruled.

Benjamin Chambers, known to friends and family as Ben, was found dead on December 16 2023 at 33 years of age.

His work colleagues discovered him lifeless in his flat on Priestlands after they had gone to look for him when he had not turned up for a shift at Prezzo.

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After suffering a depressed skull fracture in 2020, Mr Chambers had developed epilepsy and was frequently in pain, which he tried to alleviate with the use of prescription and illegal drugs.

His condition forced him to give up his well-paid job, leading him eventually to take on work as a kitchen porter at the Romsey branch of Prezzo.

Assistant coroner Henry Charles, speaking at Winchester Coroner’s Court, said: “There was absolutely no evidence that this was intentional on his part. The grounds provided by Ben’s dad in the statement seem to me compelling in and of themselves. What’s very apparent here is that Ben really faced immense challenges in life.”

Mr Charles also spoke of the “loving family relationships” Mr Chambers enjoyed, describing him as “somebody who has an inner core of solidity and strength”.

A statement prepared by Mr Chambers’ family, who were in attendance, said: “Despite his issues, Ben was a kind and thoughtful boy. He obviously always well-loved.”

It added that he was in pain and “sought his own solutions”.

Ben’s father also talked of his son’s love of the sea, explaining he was considering becoming a professional sailor until his accident.