A soldier who served alongside murdered Lee Rigby died from a drug-induced heart condition, an inquest heard.
Dean Corbett, 32, a retired corporal in the Army, was found dead at his flat in Urmston, Trafford, in August.
The dad-of-one served alongside Drummer Rigby as a Fusilier with 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
His family said he 'endured a massive bereavement' when the 25-year-old from Middleton was brutally murdered in a terror attack in London in 2013.
An inquest into Cpl Corbett's death was opened by area coroner for South Manchester Chris Morris at Stockport Coroners' Court today (January 8).
Police coroners' officer Claire Smith told the hearing GMP officers were called to Cpl Corbett's home on Sunday, August 16. He was sadly found dead.
A post-mortem concluded Cpl Corbett died as a result of hypertrophic heart disease - cardiomyopathy - due to cocaine use, the court heard.
His death was contributed to by coronary heart disease and liver steatosis - fatty liver - PCO Smith told the court.
Cpl Corbett's loved ones previously said he had a 'history of untreated mental illness', which deteriorated after he left the Army in 2017.
Known to military mates by the nickname 'Ronnie', he completed an operational tour of Afghanistan in 2009.
He was deployed on major exercises in Kenya in 2011 and Jordan in 2013, and completed ceremonial duties in London.
Cpl Corbett's sister Faye issued a glowing tribute to her brother. Military tributes were paid online.
Ms Corbett said her brother had been affected by a recent family bereavement. She said he told her he was seeking counselling for 'traumas' he had experienced.
She wrote online: "As many of you will already be aware my brother Dean Corbett passed away on Sunday, August 16.
"Dean had a history of untreated mental illness.
"Family and friends repeatedly asked him to get help and following his referral, he had his initial 'over the phone' screening with the mental health team only a few weeks ago.
"Unfortunately he didn't make it to his next session.
"He told me recently that he was going to counselling to receive help for the traumas he had experienced during his life.
"Dean's mental health deteriorated after leaving the Army."
Coroner Mr Morris adjourned the hearing for a full inquest, which is expected to be held on March 18.
He told the court he would be requesting records of Cpl Corbett's GP records, and any interaction with drug and alcohol services and local mental health services.
In a Facebook Post, the Lee Rigby Foundation paid tribute to one of Drummer Rigby's 'closest friends' and described his death as 'heartbreaking'.
A GoFundMe appeal launched for the family has reached over £7,000.
