Amersfoort detainee killed by cocaine poisoning: Prosecutor

Bertus de Man, the Nijkerk man who died after being arrested in Amersfoort on Monday, died from the effects of cocaine poisoning, the Public Prosecutor announced based on the results of a toxicological study by forensic pathologists, AD reports.

The toxicological report shows a high concentration of cocaine in De Man's blood. This can explain the man's death, according to the forensic pathologist. Further investigation will reveal whether illness also played a role.

Earlier this week the Prosecutor already revealed the initial results of the autopsy - that De Man was not killed by strangulation, a broken neck, suffocation or heart failure. The injuries he sustained were due to resuscitation and could not lead to his death, the Prosecutor said, according to AD.

According to the police, De Man became unwell in the cell in Houten where he was brought after being arrested at a traffic check in Amersfoort. Both police and paramedics tried to resuscitate him.

De Man's family is convinced he died due to police brutality. They hired forensic pathologist Frank van der Goot to do an independent investigation into his cause of death.