Deceased
Carly Morse, Thomas Vale, Michael Hodgkinson, Abdul El Sayed
Date of death
2024-06-24
Finding date
2025-04-17
Cause of death
Toxicity to protonitazene
AI-generated summary
Four adults died on 24 June 2024 following inhalation of cocaine adulterated with protonitazene, a novel synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than heroin. Michael Hodgkinson purchased drugs believed to be MDMA and cocaine but the cocaine contained protonitazene. All four occupants of the unit inhaled from the same contaminated batch simultaneously in an unsafe environment with no bystander to call emergency services or administer naloxone. Deaths occurred within minutes. The case illustrates dangers of unregulated illicit drug markets where potency and contents are unknown. Key preventive measures include drug checking services, naloxone availability, public education on overdose signs, and emerging nitazene test strips to allow home testing of substances.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
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40y · Male·Gunshot wound to neck
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