A COUPLE found dead at their home had fentanyl in their systems, an inquest heard.

Stephen and Carol Baxter were found unresponsive by a family member in their home in Victory Road, West Mersea, on Easter Sunday.

Paramedics were called to the address but tragically the couple, who were joint directors of bath and shower mat firm Cazsplash, were confirmed dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination was later carried out at Broomfield Hospital which gave a provisional cause of death for Mrs Baxter, 64, as combined fentanyl and promethazine toxicity with terminal bronchopneumonia.

Echo: Tragic - Stephen and Carol Baxter were found dead at their home in Victory Road, West MerseaTragic - Stephen and Carol Baxter were found dead at their home in Victory Road, West Mersea (Image: Google)

The provisional cause of death for Mr Baxter, 61, was delivered as cardiomegaly and alcoholic liver disease with fentanyl intoxication.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid which is similar to morphine but up to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally.

Inquests into the couple’s deaths were opened individually at Essex Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford this morning (Thursday).

Area Coroner Sean Horstead said: “On the basis of the information I am satisfied that this requires a full inquest.

“At the written request of Essex Police, I will suspend the coronial investigation for four months.

Echo: Hearing - individual inquests into the deaths of Carol and Stephen Baxter were opened at Essex Coroner's CourtHearing - individual inquests into the deaths of Carol and Stephen Baxter were opened at Essex Coroner's Court (Image: Archant)

“That will run until Monday, November 6, 2023, no doubt there will be communication from Essex Police from the expiry of that date.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the friends and family of [the Baxters] during this very difficult time for them."

The couple founded Cazsplash, which sells corner and curved shower mats, in 2012.

Mrs Baxter had run the business since its inception, having also worked in adult education, while Mr Baxter worked for a real estate firm.

Echo: Yachting - the Baxters were keen members of West Mersea Yacht ClubYachting - the Baxters were keen members of West Mersea Yacht Club (Image: Google)

The duo were also both keen members of West Mersea Yacht Club, in Coast Road, which flew its flag at half mast following their deaths as a mark of respect.

Mersea resident John Akker told the Gazette it was a “shock to locals”, adding: “It is very sad news.”

An Essex Police spokesman said officers were called to the address in Victory Road at about 1.30pm on April 9.