A 20-year-old woman passed away from playing "chemical Russian Roulette" with nitrous oxide.

Amy Louise Leonard, a young and vibrant 20-year-old, had been passionately building her career as a makeup artist. However, her life was cut short last October, leaving behind her loved ones and a promising future. The cause of her untimely death was a result of her addiction to nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.

The coroner presiding over her case has issued a warning about the dangers of using this drug, stating that it is like playing a game of "chemical Russian roulette." Those who knew Amy described her as a bright and bubbly person, always the life of the party. However, behind her outgoing personality, she was struggling with anxiety and low moods. In an attempt to feel happier, she turned to nitrous oxide and became reliant on it.

According to the inquest, she had been using one large canister of gas every day leading up to her death. This recreational use of nitrous oxide is illegal and can have severe consequences. Nitrous oxide is commonly used in catering and healthcare environments, such as during labor for pain relief.

However, when used recreationally, it is classified as a class C drug. Amy's case was a tragic example of the dangers of misusing this substance. She had been out with friends when her health took a dramatic turn, and she was rushed to the hospital.

The inquest revealed that Amy had been experiencing severe back pain and numbness in her lower body for 10 days before her first hospital visit. She also had bladder incontinence. It was later discovered that her heavy and prolonged use of nitrous oxide had caused a deficiency in vitamin B12, leading to a spinal disease called sub-acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.

Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she suffered two sudden cardiac arrests, resulting in significant brain damage and ultimately, her death. Dr. Neil Papworth, a consultant neuropathologist, testified that deaths related to nitrous oxide are rare.

He also stated that while recreational use of this substance is widespread, most people do not suffer fatal consequences. The coroner, Timothy Brennand, concluded that Amy's death was a result of misadventure, meaning it was an unintended consequence of her nitrous oxide use. He also emphasized the dangers of playing with drugs, comparing it to a game of Russian roulette.

Amy's family and friends fondly remembered her for her bright and bubbly personality. She was also a talented makeup artist, and along with her sister, had been nominated for the Young Business Woman of the Year award. Her family is determined to raise awareness about the dangers of abusing nitrous oxide, in hopes of preventing other families from experiencing the same tragedy.

Despite their grief, they continue to share her story and honor her memory.