The untimely passing of a young woman has left her family devastated. Amy Louise Leonard, a vibrant makeup artist from Bolton, tragically lost her life at the age of 20 after using nitrous oxide as a coping mechanism to alleviate her anxiety and low moods, as revealed in the proceedings at Bolton Coroners’ Court.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is legally utilized in catering and healthcare for pain relief purposes, including during labor. However, its recreational misuse through inhaling the gas from balloons is categorized as a Class C drug, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Amy sought medical attention on September 20, 2025, due to persistent lower back pain, numbness, tingling in her legs, and bladder issues. Prior to this, she had been consuming a significant amount of nitrous oxide daily, as detailed by Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead from Greater Manchester Police.
Initially suspected of cauda equina syndrome, a critical condition resulting from nerve compression, Amy was later diagnosed with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, a progressive disorder linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, attributed to her excessive nitrous oxide intake.
Despite medical intervention, Amy’s health deteriorated rapidly following her admission to the hospital, culminating in her collapse on September 30 with subsequent cardiac arrests. Despite efforts to revive her, she suffered severe brain damage and eventually succumbed to a pulmonary embolism post deep vein thrombosis on October 2.
During the court proceedings, Consultant Neuropathologist Dr. Neil Papworth emphasized the rarity of fatalities associated with nitrous oxide misuse. He explained how the gas’s rapid absorption in the bloodstream leads to vitamin B12 inactivation, causing conditions like what Amy experienced.
Forensic Toxicologist Kerry Taylor also highlighted the rising trend of nitrous oxide usage and related deaths, indicating challenges in detecting the substance in the blood at times.
Concluding the inquiry, Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand warned against the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse, likening it to a hazardous game. He ruled Amy’s demise as accidental, a consequence of her nitrous oxide abuse.
Amy’s family is now dedicated to raising awareness about the perils of nitrous oxide misuse, with her mother, Katrina Proctor, sharing Amy’s story on Good Morning Britain to prevent similar tragedies. Amy’s memory is cherished by her family for her vivacious personality, hard work ethic, and her positive impact in the mental health realm through initiatives like the mental health journals she co-created with her sister, Caitlin.
