**Grandfather Dies After Consuming 97% Proof Moonshine in Norfolk Drinking Challenge**
A 57-year-old grandfather tragically lost his life after taking part in a drinking challenge involving an extremely potent form of moonshine, an inquest has heard. The case, which unfolded in Weeting, Norfolk, offers a sobering reminder about the dangers of consuming high-strength, unregulated alcohol.
Karl Edgeller, a former welder, was spending the evening with his friend Paul Johnson on 3 March last year when the pair engaged in what was described as a drinking challenge. According to Mr Edgeller’s partner, Sharon Willoughby, the men had previously consumed home-brewed spirits together, and the introduction of the Estonian-imported moonshine appeared to follow their established pattern of “major sessions”.
Ms Willoughby provided emotional testimony at the hearing, explaining: “Johnno told him about the moonshine and said ‘would you like to try some?’ He said his mate gave it to him. I didn’t think anything of it as they used to drink moonshine together.” As the evening progressed, the two men consumed shots, reportedly egging each other on and becoming increasingly intoxicated.
Later that evening, Ms Willoughby returned to Mr Johnson’s house to assist another woman, Ellie Wing, with moving items. She assumed the men were simply sleeping off their session, but when it came time to leave, she noticed Mr Edgeller had not moved and his hand felt cold. This prompted her to seek urgent assistance.
Paul Johnson, described as a driver by occupation, stated he had been drinking even before Mr Edgeller arrived, having already consumed a bottle of whisky and some of the strong spirit. He disclosed to the court that the moonshine, at a staggering 97% alcohol by volume, was imported from Estonia and purchased through a colleague. This individual, whose name was withheld, had, however, warned that the liquid should only be consumed in diluted form.
Mr Johnson said the high-strength alcohol had “got through customs and into the UK as it was put on the paperwork it was antifreeze”. He stressed during the hearing that he did not force Mr Edgeller to drink, nor did he conceal the alcohol’s true nature. Footage taken by Ms Willoughby, showing the men drinking shots, was logged as evidence but not played in court.
At the Norwich hearing, Norfolk’s senior coroner, Jacqueline Lake, returned a conclusion of misadventure. She cited that both men were fully aware of the strength of the alcohol, which was flammable and visibly set alight in front of Mr Edgeller, who was seen heaving as he drank it. The inquest concluded that encouragement from both parties contributed to the excess consumption.
Medical evidence indicated that Mr Edgeller, who suffered from sleep apnoea and was without his CPAP machine at the time, died due to a combination of alcohol and duloxetine co-toxicity, with sleep apnoea and positional asphyxia also playing significant roles. Mr Edgeller was found slumped forward with his head resting on a coffee table, a posture the coroner said carried a high risk of positional asphyxia.
Mr Edgeller’s daughter, Karlynn West, paid tribute to her father, calling him a “brilliant, intelligent man and a fantastic father and grandfather.” She described his struggles with pain and disability, noting that his career as a welder ended following a serious road traffic accident that dislodged titanium supports in his back. According to Ms Willoughby, while Mr Edgeller had reduced his alcohol intake in recent years, he retained a propensity for drinking heavily when he did choose to drink.
This case highlights not just the risks associated with consuming unregulated, high-strength alcohols, but the increased vulnerabilities for individuals with underlying health conditions and those taking prescription medications. The court’s findings serve as a stark warning about unchecked drinking challenges and the tragic consequences that can follow.