Finding into death of Mr XML

60y · Male·Mixed drug (methylamphetamine, deschloro-n-ethyl-ketamine) toxicity in a man with cardiovascular disease

Mr XML, aged 60, died from mixed drug toxicity (methylamphetamine and deschloro-n-ethyl-ketamine) in the setting of significant cardiovascular disease. He collapsed after self-injecting an unknown substance while driving in rural Victoria. The coroner found no clinical intervention opportunities as death occurred in the community during illicit drug use. However, the case highlights the emerging risk of novel psychoactive substances being misrepresented in unregulated drug markets. The coroner emphasised the importance of drug-checking services being accessible to all Victorians, including those in regional areas, and noted that Mr XML's residence over 5 hours from Melbourne's pill testing service limited his access to harm reduction services.