The inquest heard Brian Drysdale had no 'natural disease or illness'

Brian Drysdale, 48, was among seven who died when the London to Plymouth service hit his Mazda near Ufton Nervet, Berkshire, in November 2004.

Some of Mr Drysdale's friends told the inquest at Slough he was a heavy drinker who took cannabis and ecstasy.

But toxicology tests revealed no presence of drink or drugs in his body.

HIV question

Forensic pathologist Dr Nathaniel Carey, who carried out the post-mortem examination on the chef's body, told the inquest jury that Mr Drysdale died from multiple injuries sustained when the high-speed train hit the car on a level-crossing.

He said there was no natural disease or illness present that could have contributed.

However, when asked by a member of the jury whether Mr Drysdale had been tested for HIV, the pathologist was prevented from answering by Coroner Peter Bedford, who said: "You will hear evidence of that exclusive of Dr Carey."

Brian Drysdale died in the crash, as did the driver of the train Stanley Martin, 54, of Torquay, Devon, and five passengers: Emily Webster, 14, from Moretonhampstead, Devon; Louella Main, nine, and her mother Anjanette Rossi, 38, from Speen, Newbury, Berkshire; Leslie Matthews, 72, from Warminster, Wiltshire; and Barry Strevens, 55, of Wells, Somerset.

All eight carriages derailed in the crash.