Inquest into the Death of Steven John COLLOFF

47y · Male·Organ failure following use of synthetic cannabinoids and consequent hyperthermia

A 47-year-old man died from organ failure following synthetic cannabinoid use and consequent heat stroke. After smoking synthetic cannabinoids (AB-CHMINACA and 5F-AMB), he became confused and dehydrated in a hot environment, developed uncontrollable seizures, and severe hyperthermia (42.2°C). Despite aggressive ICU management including mechanical ventilation, he developed disseminated intravascular coagulation and multi-organ failure. Clinical lessons: synthetic cannabinoids are extremely dangerous and unpredictable substances with potency far exceeding natural cannabis; they commonly cause severe seizures, cardiovascular effects, and fatal heat stroke; medical staff appropriately recognised the presentation and provided maximal supportive care, but by hospital admission irreversible organ damage had already occurred. Prevention required public awareness that synthetic cannabinoids are not safe alternatives to cannabis.