Man’s death linked to Nek Nomination social media craze

A man whose death has been linked to the controversial Nek Nomination social media craze died as a result of alcohol and cocaine toxicity.

Ross Cummins (22), a DJ from Stella Gardens, Irishtown, Dublin, was found dead at a house on Macken Street in Dublin city centre on February 1st, 2014.

He is believed to have been attending a party where he allegedly downed a pint of whiskey in a Nek Nomination challenge. His was one of a number of deaths linked to the Nek Nomination challenge which briefly became popular on social media sites including Facebook early last year.

Participants were challenged to film themselves downing an alcoholic drink before nominating someone else. Dublin Coroner's Court heard at the opening and adjournment of the inquest into his death that a Garda investigation into the incident is nearing completion with a file being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Coroner Dr Brian Farrell told the family his preliminary report gives the cause of death as "cardio-respiratory arrest secondary to ethanol (alcohol) and cocaine toxicity".

Inspector Liam Geraghty of Pearse Street garda station requested the inquest be adjourned for six months to allow gardaí­ to complete their investigation.

Dr Farrell adjourned the inquest to August 11th for an update on their progress.