Home / Health / Gentle Giant's Anti-Psychotic Drug Withdrawn Before Death
Gentle Giant's Anti-Psychotic Drug Withdrawn Before Death
18 Aug
Summary
- James Snowden, a rugby player, had his antipsychotic prescription withdrawn.
- He struggled with suicidal feelings since childhood and autism.
- His mother described him as a 'gentle giant' and 'gifted mathematician'.
An inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of James Snowden, a 21-year-old rugby player and strongman, whose body was found at his Altrincham home in December 2024. Snowden, described by his mother as a "gentle giant" and "gifted mathematician," had a history of suicidal ideation since childhood and struggled with auditory hallucinations linked to his autism.
His mother testified that sulpiride, an antipsychotic prescribed in 2021, had been beneficial. However, the Manchester South Coroner's Court heard that on November 26, 2024, Snowden attended an appointment to plan the gradual withdrawal of this medication. Doctors believed another antipsychotic, aripiprazole, was sufficient, but his mother indicated James interpreted this as a complete cessation of sulpiride.
She also revealed that James had not been truthful about taking his medication, a departure from his usual character. In the weeks leading up to his death, Snowden experienced a sporting injury, sleep difficulties following a friend's death, and the unexpected passing of his pet dog. The inquest continues.
