Michael Stone died in July 2017. (Michael Stone/Facebook/Caitlin Strom).
The BC Coroners Service has confirmed Michael Stone, a renowned yoga instructor and Buddhist teacher, died of a fentanyl overdose.
According to the coroner’s report made public on Monday, Stone, 42, was found unconscious in his vehicle by police on July 14, 2017, after he was reported missing. He was pronounced brain dead in hospital and died on July 16.
A drug screen confirmed the presence of fentanyl.
Coroner Timothy Wiles wrote that the cause of death was “acute fentanyl toxicity.” The death has been classified as accidental.
“Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, which exerts depressant effects on the central nervous system, and is sufficient to cause respiratory suppression and failure. If left untreated, inadequate oxygenation leads to brain death,” Wiles wrote in his conclusion.
Following Stone’s death, Stone’s wife Carina and Stone’s students said he had been living with bipolar disorder. The Pender Island father had been on his way Victoria for a “routine” day trip on July 13 and was reported missing when he didn’t come home.
An investigation into the circumstance of Stone’s death revealed Stone had purchased an illicit substance, Wiles wrote in the report.
The coroner’s report stated Stone had a past medical history that included treatment for bipolar disorder but had no documented history of problematic substance use or opioid dependence.
Between January and May, 620 people died of an illicit drug overdose in the province. Victoria saw the third highest number of overdoses at 43, behind Vancouver and Surrey.
Alexa Huffman
