Elvis Terrence Gene Nelson · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 9th September 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Elvis Terrence Gene Nelson, aged 29 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21st January 2016.

The cause of death was found to be:
1a Acetylfentanyl toxicity

The conclusion of the inquest was drug related death.

On 27th August 2015, Mr Nelson was found unconscious in Room 23 at Le Ville Hotel in Manchester at about 11.10am by a member of hotel staff. Paramedics attended and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out. He was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary by ambulance, but despite further resuscitation, death was confirmed at 12.35pm on 27th August 2015.

During the course of the inquest, I heard evidence from ████████
████████ as to the medical cause of Mr Nelson’s death. She had provided a post mortem report and histopathology report, which incorporated toxicology findings. The evidence I heard confirmed that acetylfentanyl is a ‘designer drug’ and is described as a ‘legal high’. It is an opioid analgesic and I heard evidence that it reported as being 5-15 times more potent than heroin and 80 times more potent than morphine. I understand that it has never been licensed for medical use and has only been sold illegally, but as a ‘legal high’.

It appears to me that although the number of fatalities arising as a result of acetylfentanyl toxicity are low, the toxic effects of this drug being sedation and respiratory depression will be a particular problem if the user is unaware that they have purchased/used an opioid drug.