[1] In June 2019, an inquest jury found that Da Costa died by misadventure from the consequences of a cardiorespiratory arrest after he placed in his mouth a plastic bag containing 88 wraps of class A drugs.
The incident prompted a call for a review of first aid training and advice given to police officers for dealing with a person who is believed to have swallowed items.
At some point before or during being stopped by police officers in his Mercedes hire vehicle, Da Costa attempted to swallow a number of bags which were later found to contain crack cocaine and heroin.
[4] In the immediate aftermath, a crowdfunding website was set which claimed Da Costa had his "neck broken in two places and head injuries".
[1] According to a 2000 study, there had been no human deaths to that time attributed to CS spray, but it was thought to have potentially lethal effects depending on circumstances.
[11] The investigation found that and the reason for police stopping the Mercedes Da Costa was in was justified and the restraint by officers was deemed necessary and proportionate.
[12][13] Over 30 witnesses were called to give evidence, including police officers and friends of Da Costa present when he was stopped.
[15] Joanne Caffrey, a specialist in police restraint, said it was not necessary for officers use pressure point tactics in his neck while attempting to restrain Da Costa.
Professor Jerry Nolan of the Resuscitation Council said that Da Costa most likely went into cardiac arrest very soon after being stopped and before he was placed in the recovery position.
On 6 June, the jury returned the verdict of death by misadventure, primarily attributed to an accident that occurred due to Da Costa swallowing a plastic bag containing 88 wraps of class A drugs.