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Famous Australian social media star suddenly dies after drug overdose

A popular Australian social media star and family man has died after reportedly consuming cocaine he was unaware had been cut with potent opioids.

Dunka Raymond Caldwell was found dead at his Glebe home on August 30. His friend Angel Mounce-Stephens, 43, who also went by Angela Yazgan, was found dead hours later at her Newtown home, reports The Daily Telegraph.

Mr Caldwell had more than 330,000 followers on social media, where he went by the handle ‘Humdinger’. Known for his viral content, he is being remembered as an influential figure who ‘spread positivity’ in Sydney’s inner-west community.

NSW Health last week issued a public health warning about drugs contaminated with heroin following the incident, which also put two more people in hospital.

Australians are the biggest users of cocaine per capita in the world, with thousands lining up outside pub and nightclub toilets to snort the drug every weekend.

Health officials are growing increasingly concerned about drug users unknowingly snorting opioids, with Dr Hester Wilson, a leading addiction medicine specialist, warning: ‘A heroin overdose could quickly result from a single line.

‘Heroin and other opioids can be sold as or found in cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy). You cannot always tell the difference between these drugs by appearance.’

Dunka Raymond Caldwell was found dead at his Glebe home on August 30. He had reportedly consumed cocaine he was unaware had been cut with potent opioids 

Mr Caldwell’s sister Kirri Fernando, who is the mother of South Sydney Rabbitohs player Tyrone Munro, also recently died in unrelated circumstances, compounding the tragedy.

‘Heartbreaking news… May your soul rest in peace both of you. My condolences go out to the Caldwell/Fernando families, feeling for you mob,’ former boxer and rugby league star Anthony Mundine said.

There have been dozens of other tributes to Mr Caldwell shared online. 

‘Absolutely devastated to hear of your passing. Everyone in our community has a heavy heart today and the world is a little less bright without you… Thank you for being the life of the party and supporting me,’ family friend Shanell Dargan wrote.

‘You were my big brother on TikTok and I’ll never forget the extra mile you’d always go for me… Thank you for always being so positive,’ influencer Jasmin Mitwali wrote.

‘Can’t believe Humdinger is gone. Such a fun loving guy, very positive and I loved watching his videos, condolences to family and friends,’ Mick la Varliosis wrote.

Mr Caldwell was influential in Sydney's inner-west community, with former boxer and rugby league star Anthony Mundine expressing his condolences to his family

Mr Caldwell was influential in Sydney’s inner-west community, with former boxer and rugby league star Anthony Mundine expressing his condolences to his family

NSW Health said in light of the detection of contaminated substances, people who are consuming street drugs should carry the opioid overdose medication nalaxone.

‘It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond. Opioids such as heroin can cause pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing/snoring and skin turning blue/grey and can be life-threatening,’ the department said.

‘One of the dangers of illicit drug supply is the strength and contents of the substance you are getting is unknown and can be inconsistent.’

Police said they were investigating the incident but were yet to receive official autopsy and toxicology reports. 

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