Student Ellen Mercer, 24, who died after inhaling nitrous oxide ‘got through over 200 canisters of drug a day’
A STUDENT who died from inhaling nitrous oxide got through more than 200 canisters a day, an inquest heard.
Ellen Mercer, 24, began suffering leg and back pain and was left unable to walk or go to the toilet for two weeks.
Paramedics raced to the business student's home on February 5 to find Ellen with a freeze burn on her leg where a canister had fallen when she collapsed.
Her boyfriend revealed she took two to three 600g bottles of nitrous oxide - known as hippy crack - a day.
The court heard this is the equivalent to around 225 of the regular 8mg metal canisters that are used for laughing gas.
Paramedic Michaela Kirtley said: “[Ellen's boyfriend] told me that Ellen uses nitrous oxide, big canisters, I had never seen such big ones, 600 gram bottles.
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"She inhales them. Her eyes roll back, she falls back, hits her head and passes out.”
When Ellen’s boyfriend was asked why he didn't call an ambulance when she passed out before, he reportedly said she "shouted at him" as she wanted to continue her high.
But on February 8, she called paramedics herself to complain of shortness of breath, "stabbing pain" in her chest and upper back and falling over when trying to walk.
Ellen was rushed to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Berkshire, but tragically died two days later.
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An inquest heard today how large blood clots had formed in Ellen's legs, which then travelled to the arteries in her lungs.
These then caused a sudden cardio respiratory collapse - a loss in both blood circulation and breathing.
Berkshire Coroner Heidi Connor confirmed Ellen's death was related to "nitrous oxide use".
A post mortem found she died from deep vein thrombosis with an underlying cause of death given as "long term complications due to nitrous oxide abuse".
Ellen had required urgent medical care several times in the month leading to her death after complaining of leg and back pain.
She had suffered a B12 deficiency and spinal cord degeneration as a result of long-term nitrous oxide use.
Her left leg was weak and she struggled with tasks involving coordination - such as unbuttoning a shirt.
Dr Gareth Roberts, a consultant respiratory physician at Frimley Health, said: “It seems entirely appropriate nitrous oxide is included in the cause of death.
“Ultimately that will have contributed to her reduction in mobility and increased risk of thromboembolism.”
Recording a narrative conclusion, the coroner said Ellen’s death “highlighted how hugely dangerous it is to use nitrous oxide".
Mum's heartbreaking warning after daughter's death
Speaking after the inquest, mum Sharon Cook told The Sun: "If there is one more life that could be saved from your report, then it is all worth it.
"Ellen did not know the dangers of this drug at the time. The message was: it was legal and therefore it's safe.
"The risks of nitrous weren't publicised, now everyone can see the risks involved - just don't do it."
She said: “Ellen’s death was caused by nitrous oxide use and immobility which led to the development of a pulmonary embolism.”
At the time of the tragedy, nitrous oxide — often inhaled through balloons — was not illegal.
It was reclassified in November last year as a Class C drug, with dealers facing up to 14 years in prison.
Ellen, from Gerrards Cross, Bucks, was previously described by her family as a “truly beautiful and gentle soul” who was “missed by everyone lucky enough to have met her”.
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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.”
