Tonbridge man with 'heart of gold' died after battle with drugs and alcohol, inquest hears
06:00, 18 September 2020
updated: 07:27, 18 September 2020
A mother has said her "heart was ripped out" after her son died following a life-long battle against drugs and alcohol.
Anthony Johnson was found dead at his home in Keyes Road, Tonbridge , on Monday, May 18 after the ambulance service was called just after 3am.
Paramedics arrived shortly after the call and CPR was attempted but the 37-year-old's life was pronounced extinct at shortly after.
An inquest at County Hall in Maidstone last Thursday gave his cause of death as bronchopneumonia brought on by opioid use.
The court heard how Mr Johnson started drinking alcohol at the age of 13, and began used drugs at 14 years old.
Throughout his life the father of two struggled to become sober.
His mother Glynis Murphy described him as a "loving brother and son".
"I feel dead inside, it's like I've had my heart ripped out."
She said: "He loved pets, his brothers and sisters who miss him, fishing and he loved to sing a bit too.
"I feel dead inside, it's like I've had my heart ripped out. He wasn't just my son, he was my world - my best friend.
"He was such a lovely son and a man overall who had his problems.
"If he could help in any way he would do so, as he was always helping me move my front room or he would cook.
"Sadly the drinking too over and I'll always miss him."
The court heard how Mr Johnson had struggled with drinking and drug problems and had made multiple attempts to take his own life.
Assistant coroner Alan Blunsdon heard how Mr Johnson spent three years in prison following a burglary offence and struggled with life when he was released.
It was heard how he didn't like to live on his own and had spent time being homeless, and on some occasions would sleep in his mum's garden.
During a statement read in court he was described by his mum as a religious person who would "read the bible everyday" and he had two older sisters and two younger brothers.
She said: "He had a heart of gold, he was a great son to me and I loved him dearly."
Concluding the inquest, Mr Blunsdon ruled Mr Johnson's death was drugs related, before offering his condolences to on the loss.
