Body-builder, 28, dies after taking anabolic steroids he bought online

A FIT and healthy rugby player died after taking anabolic steroids he’d purchased on the internet, an inquest into his death heard.

Freddie Dibben, 28, developed a fatal heart condition after using Clenbuterol, a stimulant drug normally used as an asthma treatment, which is also commonly used by bodybuilders to bulk up.

Freddie, an engineer, was found dead in bed by his father Clifford on March 4, 2017.

The 28-year-old’s parents told Winchester Coroners Court that Freddie had been going to the gym daily and having protein shakes for a number of years but they had no idea he’d been buying drugs online.

Pathologist Dr Victoria Eliot gave the cause of death as dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood decreases due to an enlarged and weakened valve.

In delivering her verdict Dr Eliot also warned about the dangerous of performance-enhancing drugs.

“These drugs have some benefits – in inverted commas – in terms of physique but also have side-effects which can affect the heart.”

Coroner Grahame Short recorded a conclusion of misadventure and added his own warning.

“Young men in particular are keen to improve their physique and some resort to steroids which is a quick and easy way to put on weight and enhance muscles,” he said.

“Prior to his death Freddie was a fit man with no medical conditions.

I think this case reflects how dangerous these drugs are.”

Following the inquest, Freddie’s mother Lorraine said: “Freddie was an intelligent lad.

“He wasn’t stupid but he thought he was in control. We want to inform other young men to make sure they don’t go down this route.

“These drugs will damage your heart in such a way that you cannot undo.

The risks are just not worth it.

“If we could save one man, it would be worth it.”