Business student Ellen Mercer, 24, tragically died after collapsing in her home due to complications related to her heavy use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The inquest revealed that she was consuming over 200 canisters of the gas every day. Ellen’s boyfriend discovered her in a deteriorating state and called for help, but she resisted going to the hospital because she did not want her “buzz” to be affected. Emergency services found her with a burn on her leg caused by a fallen canister during her collapse. Despite receiving medical treatment, Ellen passed away two days later, with her death being attributed to pulmonary thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and long-term complications of nitrous oxide use.
The inquest further shed light on the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse, as Ellen’s case highlighted the significant risks associated with its use. The substance was previously legal for recreational purposes, but was later classified as a Class C drug due to its harmful effects. Ellen’s tragic death served as a stark reminder of the consequences of using nitrous oxide irresponsibly. The court heard that Ellen struggled with bipolar disorder, and despite previous diagnoses, local mental health services failed to provide adequate follow-up care. This failure to address her mental health needs may have also contributed to her tragic end.
Rescue workers who responded to the emergency call from Ellen’s boyfriend detailed the concerning conditions in which they found her. Her environment pointed to significant vulnerability, and evidence of heavy nitrous oxide use was apparent in her home. The inquest revealed that Ellen’s boyfriend disclosed that she had been consuming two to three large bottles of nitrous oxide daily, leading to the equivalent of around 225 regular-sized canisters. The medical examiner noted the seriousness of her burns and the deterioration in her physical condition due to prolonged immobility caused by the gas use. Ultimately, it was concluded that nitrous oxide abuse and immobility were the primary factors in Ellen’s untimely death.
Government statistics presented during the inquest revealed a disturbing trend of nitrous oxide-related deaths in England and Wales, with a significant increase in reported cases over the past decade. Ellen’s case underscored the urgent need for education and awareness campaigns surrounding the risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse. The authorities moved to criminalize its possession for recreational purposes after incidents like Ellen’s tragic death. The inquest highlighted the importance of mental health support services in identifying and addressing underlying issues that may contribute to substance abuse. Ellen’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of substance abuse and the critical need for comprehensive mental health care services to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
