A father-of-two died after inhaling nitrous oxide just 20 minutes before a devastating crash on the A51 in Staffordshire. Callum Knott, 26, lost control of his partner's Nissan Juke at around 9pm on July 7, an inquest heard.
Details of the Incident
The vehicle was travelling along the A51 past Aston Marina, on the outskirts of Stone, when it left the carriageway. Callum's partner, Emily Jackson, and their 21-month-old daughter were also in the car. CCTV footage showed the family at Tesco Trent Vale at 8.41pm, where Emily purchased balloons. By 9.03pm, Callum was driving through Newcastle Street in Stone.
Callum, from Stafford, held only a provisional licence despite passing his driving test in 2018 and had a previous driving ban. Witnesses reported seeing the car airborne, severely damaged, and on fire. Off-duty paramedic Connor Smith stopped to help, finding the occupants unconscious. Callum went into cardiac arrest but was revived and rushed to Royal Stoke University Hospital, where he died in the early hours of July 8.
Evidence of Nitrous Oxide Use
Police discovered nitrous oxide and cannabis in the car. Mobile phone records revealed a video of Callum inhaling nitrous oxide 20 minutes before the crash. However, toxicologist Dr Lawson explained that acute nitrous oxide use cannot be detected in post-mortem samples. Forensic investigator PC Daniel Sutton noted no evidence of braking or steering before the collision, with the vehicle travelling at about 60mph.
Coroner Fiona Gingell concluded that Callum died from poly-trauma sustained in the crash. She stated: "I do find that Callum was in possession of nitrous oxide and that he had inhaled it 20 minutes prior to the collision. But based on the evidence, I cannot conclude he was under the influence at the time." She expressed condolences to his family, describing him as a much-loved son, grandson, father, and friend.
