Lancashire coroner describes untimely death of 37-year-old Preston mum as ‘a tragic case’

Following toxicology investigations, assistant Lancashire coroner Sara Sutherland concluded that the death of Natasha Hough was drug-related, after the Preston mother was sadly found unresponsive at her home on Stocks Road in November 2025.

Preston Coroner's Court was told that the cause of death was respiratory depression, with a toxicology report having found methadone at a level that often proved fatal, as well as a combination of other drugs, some illegal and some prescribed. It was judged that the combination of drugs contributed to Ms Hough’s passing.

Witnesses told the court in statements that Ms Hough, who was a habitual drug user, had had a ‘difficult life’. Police who attended the address after being informed of her tragic death found various bottles of drugs, with authorities concluding that there were no suspicious circumstances.

Coroner Ms Sutherland said: "This is a tragic case."