Overview

• Karl Edgeller, 57, died in March 2024 after consuming 97% proof moonshine smuggled from Estonia and labeled as antifreeze to evade customs regulations.
• The moonshine was consumed neat during a drinking challenge with his friend Paul Johnson, despite warnings to dilute it.
• The coroner concluded the death was due to misadventure, citing alcohol and duloxetine co-toxicity, obstructive sleep apnoea, and positional asphyxia as contributing factors.
• Paul Johnson, who also drank the moonshine, was hospitalized but faced no legal charges after police questioning.
• Edgeller’s partner and family described him as a loving father and grandfather, noting his reduced alcohol consumption in recent years.