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Makhan Singh Parhar died of an accidental fentanyl overdose at home, the BC Coroners Service has ruled.
It puts to bed suspicions that the prominent pandemic denier and flat Earther died from COVID-19, which were based on statements he made on social media about feeling ill in the lead up to his death on Nov. 4, 2021.
According to the coroner’s report, Parhar was found dead by a family member around 6:30 am that day. He was last seen alive a few hours earlier around midnight.
“Upon physical examination at the scene by the attending coroner, Mr. Parhar was found lying on the floor,” wrote Coroner Damian Balam in his report.
“There was no observable traumatic injury, evidence of foul play or evidence of acute self harm. Paraphernalia commonly associated with illicit substance use was found nearby (uncapped syringe, burnt spoon, glass pipe).”
Balam noted that Parhar had “an uncomplicated medical history,” with no recently-documented issues with substance use, hospitalization or prior opioid agonist treatment.
He also said that Parhar did test positive for COVID-19 post mortem, but there is no indication that the illness played a role in his death.
“Toxicological analysis detected concentrations of fentanyl that has been associated with fatalities, a cocaine concentration that has been associated with recreational use and ethanol at a concentration below levels typically associated with intoxication,” explained Balam.
He added: “The effects of these substances, in isolation or when combined, are unpredictable and are sufficient to cause death.”
Balam concluded that he found Parhar died of ethanol and mixed illicit drug toxicity from cocaine and fentanyl, and that his death was classified as accidental.
Although he wasn’t a totally unknown figure beforehand, Parhar really entered the public eye in the fall of 2020.
He was charged with violating Canada’s Quarantine Act after returning from a flat Earth conference in the United States, and talked about his refusal to self-isolate during a rally in downtown Vancouver.
Despite the ticket, police said he continued to leave his New Westminster residence to attend protests against pandemic restrictions and repeatedly called COVID-19 a hoax.
In the spring of 2021, the City of Delta revoked the business licence of his hot yoga studio after Parhar flouted the Province’s ban on gatherings.
In the days leading up to his death, Parhar took to social media in several videos discussing his illness.
He was coughing as he complained about fatigue and experiencing chills, but denied that he had COVID-19.
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