Man, 25, died of caffeine overdose after buying capsules online and vomiting blood in the street

From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026 · last updated 25 September 2026.

Alfie Goddard was found barefoot and walking into the path of moving traffic in Colchester, Essex, before suffering a fatal cardiac arrest on October 28, 2025. Toxicology evidence put before Essex Coroner's Court showed his caffeine levels were "well within the fatality bracket" linked to caffeine deaths. The coroner recorded an accidental death, finding he had swallowed a large number of capsules bought online that day. Alfie had ADHD, paranoid schizophrenia and autism and was a resident of a supported living block whose staff called 999 after he lost the ability to speak.

During the episode Alfie tried to call 999 himself, but was too incoherent to summon help.

Police recovered multiple caffeine capsules from his room; Essex Police inspector Tom Bastendorf said the capsules were responsible for his 'erratic behaviour'.