02/04/2008

'Death By Misaventure' Verdict in Actress Inquest

The inquest into the death of children's TV presenter Natasha Collins, has recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

The 31-year-old fiancée of TV presenter Mark Speight was found dead in the bath of their home in St Johns Wood, north west London, with 60 per cent hot water burns on her body on January 3 this year.

Coroner Dr Paul Knapman said she had a "very significant amount of cocaine" in her bloodstream at the time.

The exact cause of death was given as cocaine toxicity and immersion in hot water.

Mr Speight, who worked alongside Miss Collins on 'See It Saw It', said in a statement following the inquest verdict: "Natasha was a loving daughter, fiancée, sister and friend with a very positive attitude towards life.

"She was always thinking of others. We are devastated that her life was cut short and we miss her deeply."

Mr Speight, who presented the children's TV show 'SMart', had been arrested on suspicion of Miss Collins' murder and supplying Class A drugs. However, he will not face charges following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service.

(DS/KMcA)

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