Student, 24, may have been killed by long-term use of laughing gas
A STUDENT aged 24 may have been killed by long-term use of “hippy crack”, an inquest heard.
Ellen Mercer died in hospital the day after having a “sudden, 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 — favoured by youngsters in lockdown — had caused serious circulation and breathing issues.
A post mortem examination found an underlying cause of “long term complications” related to abusing the gas.
At the opening of her inquest yesterday, Berkshire coroner Hannah Godfrey, said: “Ms Mercer had a history of nitrous oxide abuse.” A full inquest for her will be held later.
The business student, of 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 her death, hippy crack — laughing gas or nitrous oxide — was not an illegal drug.
It was made a class C substance last November.