Investigation and inquest
On Thirteenth August 2019 I commenced an Investigation into the death of Jerrelle MCKENZIE aged 21. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on Fourteenth July 2020. The conclusion of the inquest was Drug related.
Ia Drug Overdose
Circumstances of the death
The Deceased was admitted to Luton & Dunstable Hospital during the early evening of 3 August 2019, having admitted to taking an overdose of Dinitrophenol tablets (DNP). Despite appropriate treatment, his condition deteriorated and he passed away there later that evening; his death being confirmed at 21:00 hours. Post-mortem evidence confirmed a DNP blood level of approximately 76 mg/l which it appeared he had accessed over the internet (dark-web) in an attempt to lose weight and improve his body image.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The Deceased had taken an overdose of Dinitrophenol (DNP) yet this drug was banned in the UK in 1938 due to its harmful effects;
(2) It appears that the Deceased, who was an intelligent and thoughtful individual, was drawn to consuming DNP to lose weight and improve his body image and it was believed that this was through the influence of social media;
(3) Despite its ban, it is thought that the Deceased was able access the DNP over the Internet (“dark web”)