A student who "brought a ray of light into every room" was tragically found dead at his home in Knott End.
Following an inquest held at Preston Coroner's Court this week, Area Coroner Chris Long concluded: "Justin Anthony Smale died on 31 December 2023 at his home address of 3 Wayside, Knott End-on-Sea, Poulton-le- Fylde in Lancashire. Mr Smale was born with complex congenital heart disease which together with the ingestion of cocaine and alcohol led to sudden arrhythmic death."After Justin's death, friends and family raised more than £2,000 for his mum Janet.
"He was deeply loved within and outside of our community and his untimely passing has left a huge hole for all of us. He was the type of person that would go out of his way in support of his family and friends, he could manage to bring laughter to even the most difficult of times. I speak for everyone when I say that he will be deeply missed but certainly never forgotten.