Former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable 'choked to death on his own vomit'

Inquest hears how sticksman died after three-day drinking binge


Photo: PA Photos

Former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable choked to death on his own vomit following a three-day drinking binge, an inquest has confirmed.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded at an inquest in his hometown Aberdare today (October 19) just months after the drummer was found dead on his kitchen floor in nearby Llwydcoed by his girlfriend Rachel Jones.

Cable started his drinking session at a rugby club accompanied by his ex-wife Nicola and son on June 4. He then hosted his radio show at the BBC in Cardiff the following evening (June 5) before he started drinking again at his local pub, the Welsh Harp, the inquest heard.

He later returned to his home and carried on drinking with his friend Simon Collier until 5am (BST) on Sunday (June 6). Cable then woke in the afternoon and met up with Collier at the same pub to continue drinking.

The inquest heard that at 2300 BST he told his girlfriend he was getting a taxi home and asked her to order a chinese takeaway to the pub, before returning to his house with his friend, reports BBC News.

"Stuart was extremely drunk but got a bottle of vodka out of the fridge and continued drinking it neat," Detective Sergeant Richey Jones told the inquest, before adding: "He also drank Jack Daniels. He fell asleep on the sofa and Rachel later went to wake him by tapping his head and lifting his eyes."

But her efforts to wake Cable failed and she went to bed without him before she found him collapsed on the floor at 5.30am on Monday morning (June 7).

Sgt Jones said: "She knew instantly that something was wrong because he was in the same position she left him. She checked his airways and noticed there was vomit."

She ran into the street to flag down the first car, which happened to be driven by his cousin Aaron Cable. He tried to revive the drummer before paramedics arrived, but could do nothing.

Pathologist David Stock confirmed Cable's death was caused by choking on his own vomit from acute alcohol poisoning.

The drummer was sacked from Stereophonics in 2003, and following his departure he went on to have a career in TV, radio and hosting awards ceremonies.

Read More On This Artist


Please login to add your comment.

Latest Tickets - Booking Now
Know Your NME

NME Store & Framed Prints
Inside NME.COM