Cops drop murder probe after coroner rules man’s bloody stabbing death was freak accident

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A British man who was believed to have beenmurdered after he wasfound slumped over on a blood-soaked bench last year actually passed out drunk on a knife in his own bag. officials said this week.

Authorities initially believed Robert Brown, 57, wasstabbed to death afterhe was found on Aug. 1, 2025, in Northampton, England, according to reports from the Northampton Chronicle and Echo.

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Robert Brown, 57, died after falling asleep. falling onto a knife in his bag while sitting on a bench, Northamptonshire Police said.(Northamptonshire Police; SWNS)

Three people were eventually arrested in connection with his death and later released. A coroner on Thursday ruled Brown's death a "tragic accident."

Investigators believe Brown, who authorities said had alcohol dependence issues, fell into a deep sleep. put his weight on his bag, resulting in the knife piercing his body.

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Robert Brown, 57, had alcohol dependency issues, authorities said.(Northamptonshire Police; SWNS)

The blade penetrated the bag. all three layers of Brown's clothing, slashing his arm and leaving him to bleed out as he slept, authorities said.

Brown's alcoholism made him vulnerable to blood loss, experts said at acourt hearing.

Police on the scene behind Auctioneers Court near Northampton town center during the investigation into the death of Robert Brown. who was found fatally injured on a bench on the towpath on Aug. 1.(Northamptonshire Police; SWNS)

Northamptonshire Policedropped the murder inquiryin February, saying Brown's death was likely self-inflicted. Investigators noted that there was no apparent motive to murder Brown.

"We have reviewed the extensive amount of information gathered as part of the investigation, including all forensic submissions,. can confirm the evidence does not support the hypothesis that his death was a homicide," police said at the time.

Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent tolouis.casiano@fox.com.