Young mum died after making a deadly mistake while doing laughing gas, inquest hears
A young mother died after inhaling laughing gas while battling a chest infection, an inquest has concluded.
Kira Booth was just 21 when her body was discovered in her flat by her support worker in November last year.
Her family said Ms Booth left home through her own choice at a young age but regularly kept in touch with her five siblings and her parents.
They described her as a ‘very kind and generous’ and active person who regularly participated in sports such as swimming, gymnastics, football, as well as dancing.
The family weren’t initially aware Kira had been taking drugs until towards the end of her life, though they said it was more recreational as opposed to a dependency.
Evidence presented at Preston Coroner’s Court from Kira’s mother, Carla Booth, stated her daughter had struggled with her mental health and with rules, which had led to her leaving the family home.
Kira, a mother of one, had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and had been sectioned a number of times under the Mental Health Act.
Upon giving birth, she had lived in a mother and baby unit but had then moved into a flat in Burnley, Lancashire.
Kira Booth, 21, died after doing laughing gas while battling a chest infection, an inquest has concluded
Detective Inspector Steven Slater said a large number of nitrous oxide containers were found – one on the floor near her bed, one down the back of a sofa, and a further 18 packaged up ready to be thrown out
Around July last year, she told a social worker that she had been hearing voices, which led to her baby being taken away, though she had regular visits.
Just prior to her death, Kira’s mother said she noticed her daughter hadn’t been active on social media for almost 24 hours, which was unusual.
Police confirmed later that day she had died in her flat.
Coroner Kate Bissett recorded a conclusion of misadventure.
‘Kira Booth died on November 12, 2024, at her home address, having consumed nitrous oxide whilst suffering with a chest infection,’ she said.
Nitrous oxide, known recreationally as laughing gas or ‘hippy crack’, can be especially dangerous for someone with a chest infection.
This is because their lungs are already inflamed and filled with mucus, making it harder for oxygen to enter the blood.
Taking nitrous oxide under such circumstances worsens this process as the gas acts as another barrier to getting enough life-giving oxygen.
Detective Inspector Steven Slater, told the inquest there was no evidence of the young mother being injured or any evidence of third-party involvement in her death.
He noted a large number of nitrous oxide containers were found at her premises – one on the floor near her bed, one down the back of a sofa, and a further 18 packaged up ready to be thrown out.
Additionally, a number of tablet strips were also found – some empty, some not – as well as two small snap bags, which the officer said may have contained cocaine.
A post-mortem examination of Kira’s body showed there was no signs of trauma.
But a toxicology report showed there was evidence of recent cocaine use, but no other compounds were detected.
However, Ms Bissett noted nitrous oxide cannot be detected by toxicology examinations as it rapidly leaves the body upon death.
She added there was no evidence the young woman had intended to take her own life.
Ms Bissett said Kira had a ‘strong will to live’ and that her records showed she ‘worked through her difficulties.’
She said: ‘Kira wasn’t someone who had given up on normal life and was engaging in all sorts of drugs.
‘She was someone who managed her problems by having a positive time experimenting with substances. She was not a habitual user.’
Hippy crack, also called ‘nos’ which creates a temporary feeling of relaxation and euphoria, rose to modern notoriety in the early 2010s.
Balloon-wielding dealers cashed in on demand, partly fuelled by a glamorous array of celebs and footballers posting images of themselves apparently using it.
Another factor that experts believe fuelled its popularity was how cheap it was, with cannisters of the gas sold online for as little as 20p each.
While suppliers often mark this up to £5 or more per balloon at festivals and night clubs, it’s still cheaper than a pint of beer in many parts of the country — let alone other recreational substances.
As well as deaths, serious side effects including dizziness, weakness in the legs and impaired memory are thought to have discouraged today’s kids from experimenting with nitrous oxide.
