Coroner warns over cocaine use after chef's sudden death
A coroner has warned that there is no safe level for consuming cocaine following the death from the drug of a hospital chef, described as "hard working" and "football crazy" by his family.
A hospital chef, Keith McGivern, died suddenly from cocaine use, warning that there is no safe level of cocaine consumption, said the coroner. The 49-year-old from Dublin 8 was found dead in his bedroom on October 14, 2025, after missing work for two days.
His family and colleagues were shocked to discover the white substance suspected of being cocaine in his apartment. While no signs of disturbance were found, it's puzzling that his mobile phone was missing.
The coroner, Cróna Gallagher, noted that the combination of cocaine and alcohol in Mr. McGivern's system increased the drug's potency. His coronary artery was unusually narrow, making him more susceptible to sudden death. The coroner attributed his death to cardiac arrhythmia or arrest caused by cocaine, despite the artery issue. She stressed that cocaine at any level is dangerous.
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