Oxford University doctor working on a cure for malaria was found dead in a prayer position clutching a bunch of flowers after taking large number of anti-psychotic tablets, inquest hears Navin Venkatraman was discovered face down and in prayer position on his bed Coroner was told the 37-year-old had taken a overdose of anti-psychotic tablets Was upset to be told he was to return to work at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital His housemate said he had heard him crying alone in his room days before deathBy Alexander Robertson For Mailonline Published: 16:58 GMT, 19 February 2019 | Updated: 16:59 GMT, 19 February 2019 Viewcomments Dr Navin Venkatraman (pictured) was found dead in a prayer position clutching flowers and photographs of his family A Oxford University doctor working on a cure for malaria was found dead in a prayer position clutching flowers and photographs of his family, an inquest heard. Dr Navin Venkatraman was discovered face down and in a prayer position on his bed by his housemate after failing to return calls from his worried girlfriend. A coroner was told that the 37-year-old had taken a overdose of tablets prescribed to counteract psychotic episodes. On April 28, the day before his death, the doctor spent a day in Oxford with his cousin Vivek Mani where they enjoyed time exploring the city. However, the inquest was told he was to return to work at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital in May 2018, a hospital where had previously been unhappy. His housemate Giles August had heard him crying alone in his room in the days before his death and he was taking medication following a psychotic episode. Mr August had not seen him since 10am the previous day when concerns were first raised and was forced to break down his bedroom door when he failed to respond. He burst inside to find Dr Venkatraman lying clothed, unresponsive and beneath a blanket his girlfriend had given him, the inquest heard. In a witness statement, Dr Venkatraman's mother Janaki said the years preceding his death were among 'the best of his life' as he celebrated the publication of 30 papers Dr Venkatraman was an accomplished doctor in infectious diseases and a Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. He was on a placement at Southampton General Hospital at the time of his death, coroner Darren Salter told the hearing. In a witness statement, his mother Janaki Venkatraman said the years preceding his death were among 'the best of his life' as he celebrated the publication of 30 papers. He was also planning to marry to his long-distance girlfriend in 2019, the inquest was told. A post-mortem examination recorded a cause of death of combined drug and alcohol toxicity with probable aspiration. The hearing continues. Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility