Student, 24, may have died from prolonged use of nitrous oxide

A student may have died due to prolonged use of nitrous oxide, an investigation has revealed.

Ellen Mercer, 24, died in hospital the day after a “sudden and unexpected cardio-respiratory collapse”.

Ellen Mercer may have been killed by long-term use of 'hippie crack' — Ellen Mercer may have been killed by long-term use of ‘hippie crack’Credit: unknown

The student died in hospital the day after a 'sudden, unexpected cardiac and respiratory collapse' — The student died in hospital the day after a ‘sudden, unexpected cardiac and respiratory collapse’Credit: unknown

She was taken there on February 9 last year after becoming seriously unwell.

Doctors discovered “signatures of neurological problems” and tests discovered the party drug nitrous oxide – a favorite among young people lockdown – had caused serious circulatory and breathing problems.

A post-mortem examination found an underlying cause of ‘long-term complications’ related to the 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 investigation will take place later.

The company student, from Gerards Cross, Buckswas described by her family as a ‘truly beautiful and gentle soul’ who was ‘missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met her’.

Mum Sharon Cook, 54, said online: “I miss you so much my sweet girl.

‘I hope you are well taken care of by daddy 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.

However, last November it was made into a Class C substance.

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