THE DEATH of a 31-year man from an ecstasy overdose has prompted a coroner to warn of the risks to life associated with the substance.
After returning a verdict of misadventure in Castlebar at an inquest into the death of Adrian Nealon, with an address at The Kiln, James Street, Westport, the coroner, John O’Dwyer, made reference to the recent deaths of two young men in Co Cork.
“It is unfortunate that people continue to take serious risks with their own safety and their own lives,” said Mr O’Dwyer. “It is incumbent on people to be acutely aware of the dangers posed by drugs which are being offered them”.
The cause of Mr Nealon’s death on March 1st last was given by pathologist Dr Tamas Nemeth as an MDMA (ecstasy) overdose.
Friends of the deceased gave evidence to the hearing of drinking together in a house at Lower Charles Street, Castlebar. There were no drugs involved, the friends said. Adrian Nealon was drinking cider.
Later in the evening, according to a member of the group, Maureen McKenna, Mr Nealon started shaking on the armchair.
“He got really hot,” said Ms McKenna in a subsequent statement to gardaí. “I had to turn off the fire. He was talking gibberish and he couldn’t focus his eyes. We brought him out the back for fresh air.”
After an ambulance was called Mr Nealon suffered a cardiac attack, which proved fatal.
Evidence was given to the inquest that a tablet with a “smiley face design” was found in the deceased’s clothing.
Garda Sgt Peter Hanley said that the tablet was found to contain MDMA. Garda inquiries failed to uncover any firm evidence of who might have supplied drugs to the deceased.
The coroner returned a verdict of misadventure.