Student, 24, may have been killed by long-term use of laughing gas
A STUDENT may have been killed by long-term use of laughing gas, an inquest has heard.
Ellen Mercer, 24, died in hospital the day after having a “sudden and unexpected cardio respiratory collapse”.
She was taken there on February 9 last year after becoming seriously unwell.
Medics found “features of neurological compromise” and tests discovered the party drug nitrous oxide — favoured by youths in lockdown — had caused serious circulation and breathing issues.
A post-mortem examination found an underlying cause of “long-term complications” related to use of the gas.
At the opening of Ellen’s inquest yesterday, Berkshire coroner Hannah Godfrey, said: “Ms Mercer had a history of nitrous oxide abuse.” A full inquest will be held later.
The business student, from Gerrards Cross, Bucks, was described by her family as a “truly beautiful and gentle soul” who was “missed by everyone lucky enough to have met her”.
Mum Sharon Cook, 54, said online: “I miss you so much my darling girl.
"Hope you’re being well looked after by dad and grandma. I wasn’t ready for you to leave me.”
At the time of Ellen’s death, nitrous oxide — often inhaled through balloons — was not illegal.
Most read in The Sun
However, it was made a Class C substance last November.