Russell Norman was discovered in his garden, unresponsive after hanging himself, as reported. Despite efforts from his girlfriend and medical professionals to administer CPR, Norman couldn't be fully revived and died five days later in the hospital at only 57 years old. Understandably, his girlfriend is now grappling with overwhelming guilt in the wake of this tragic ordeal.
From The Daily Mail:
Mr Norman was lauded as the 'new king of Soho dining' when he established himself on the London restaurant scene in 2012 after he invented the concept of small Italian plates and revived the Negroni cocktail.
The inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone yesterday heard he had twice the amount of alcohol in his system than the legal drink-drive limit, and a conclusion of suicide by hanging was recorded.
Mr Norman had gone into the garden of his home in Pluckley after arguing with his art historian girlfriend Dr Genevieve Verdigel. She tragically found him lying unconscious and tried to save him.
In a statement read by Coroner Katrina Hepburn, Dr Verdigel said: 'I ran back inside to call 999. I was trying to do CPR. I was screaming and the people next door came round.'
A pulse was detected during resuscitation attempts and paramedics rushed Mr Norman to the William Harvey Hospital in nearby Ashford.
However, doctors revealed he had suffered brain damage and placed him on end-of-life care. He died in hospital on November 23.
