Natalie Doorbar, a 40-year-old woman from Biddulph, was found dead at a home on Diamond Close on December 27, just days after celebrating Christmas with her family. An inquest heard she had been clean from drugs for around six months before relapsing and taking monkey dust.
On Boxing Day, Natalie sent her mum a text saying she 'would be back soon'. It was the last contact her family had with her. Emergency workers received a 999 call at around 12.30pm the following day, but paramedics sadly declared Natalie dead at the scene.
Family's final Christmas together
Natalie, who lived on nearby Biddulph High Street, had struggled with substance misuse from an early age. During a visit home in 2025, she appeared to be 'under the influence' and her mum took a video to show her the effects of the drugs. Natalie, who lived with bipolar disorder and ADHD, apologised and swore not to take drugs ever again.
Speaking at the inquest, her mum said: "She went back to her happy normal self again. She stuck to her word and didn't take any drugs. We had Christmas dinner together. She was the happiest I've seen her in years. Then she got herself ready and went out. That was the last time we saw her."
Loved-ones described Natalie as a 'lovely girl' with a 'heart of gold'.
Police response and scene findings
PC Carly Statham was one of the first police responders to arrive at the scene. She said: "It was reported that Natalie was hot, sweaty with purple lips and breathing shallowly. The callers later reported that she was no longer breathing. The call-taker instructed the group on how to perform CPR and where the nearest defibrillator was located."
PC Statham continued: "Four other people were present in the property. They were all known to Natalie to varying degrees. Some were new acquaintances while she had known others for longer. They were all engaging in drug-taking behaviour that morning. I was told that they had purchased an eighth of monkey dust that morning. That is what they were all taking."
Witnesses said Natalie had begun feeling paranoid and unwell. She removed herself from the living room to give herself some space and cool down. Someone mentioned she had said she wanted to go home, but she became dizzy and sat on the floor. Then the medical incident took place.
Toxicology and inquest conclusion
Scorched foil packets consistent with drug use were found at the scene. A number of snap bags were seized, all of which contained the components associated with monkey dust. Third-party involvement was ruled out given the physical evidence and Natalie's known history as a drug user. She had withdrawn £100 from her bank account earlier that day.
A toxicology report showed Natalie had monkey dust in her system, alongside recreational levels of cocaine, THC, and diazepam. Dr Mark Stefan said: "It's my view that death is due to the effects of MD-PHP, which is the common active ingredient in monkey dust. The mechanism of death was probably cardiac arrest."
Coroner Fiona Gingell concluded that Natalie suffered a drug-related death. Ms Gingell said: "There's no dispute that she had a history of using illicit drugs. But she had been on a better path for the last six months. Whilst I'm not a toxicologist, it's clear that her tolerance was perhaps not as strong as it had been while she was regularly using drugs. I think it's worth noting that nobody else present suffered the same consequences as Natalie."
She added: "These drugs affect different people in different ways. There is always a significant risk and danger each time someone uses them. I'm satisfied that she took monkey dust of her own free will. It was accidental. She used these drugs and sadly died as a result."
Ms Gingell also said: "I'm dreadfully sorry to meet the family under these circumstances. It's really clear that Natalie was a well-loved individual. She had a big family who cared for and supported her through difficult times. What makes it more sad is that she appeared to have been making really good progress. I'm so sorry for your loss."
