Promising Rugby Player Dies After Fall From Multi-Storey Car Park
A talented young rugby player fell to his death from a multi-storey car park after developing an addiction to ketamine, a coroner's court has heard. Josh Perry, aged 21, had been a rising star with Warrington Wolves rugby league team before his life was derailed by the powerful hallucinogenic drug.
Mother's Heartbreaking Testimony
Josh's mother, Natasha Perry, told Liverpool Coroner's Court that her "caring and kind" son would "still be here today" if he hadn't become hooked on ketamine at age 17. She described the drug as "evil" and warned of an "epidemic" affecting young people across the country.
"There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss my wonderful, caring and kind son," Mrs Perry said during emotional testimony. "Josh would never have taken his own life and would still be here today if it wasn't for the evil drug that is ketamine."
She expressed anger at what she called the drug's "too freely available" nature, claiming it was "infecting our children" and demanded action to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
Safety Concerns at Car Park Site
The inquest heard that emergency services were called to the Heathfield Street car park in Liverpool around 6:20pm on March 14 last year. Josh was found with severe head injuries and died at the scene despite medical intervention.
Mrs Perry highlighted what she called inadequate safety measures at the 19th-floor location, noting that her son was able to climb over railings while intoxicated. "It is outrageous, and safety measures need to be brought in to prevent further tragedies," she stated.
Detective Chief Inspector James Halpin of Merseyside Police told the court that CCTV footage showed Josh appearing "unsteady on his feet" before the fatal fall. Toxicology results confirmed the presence of ketamine in his system.
From Rugby Star to Addiction Struggle
The court heard that Josh had been a "desperately longed for" child who grew up in a close-knit family. His rugby talent earned him multiple awards and a place with Warrington Wolves as a teenager.
However, at age 17, he began experimenting with ketamine and developed a serious addiction. His mother described how the drug left him like a "walking spaceman" and strained family relationships.
In November 2024, Josh was diagnosed with ketamine-induced uropathy, a painful bladder condition linked to prolonged drug misuse that causes frequent urination. Despite this health crisis, he had recently completed an eight-week rehabilitation program and was attempting to rebuild his life.
Uncertain Intent and Future Plans
Coroner Helen Rimmer recorded a narrative conclusion, stating she couldn't be certain Josh intended to take his own life. She noted that ketamine use may have impaired his cognitive function and that he had been making concrete plans for his future.
Before his death, Josh had arranged to meet his ex-girlfriend and a friend for coffee and discussed getting his life back on track. His family had been hopeful about his recovery despite concerns about a possible relapse in the days leading to the tragedy.
Broader Safety Campaign
Josh's death follows that of 15-year-old Gabriel Santer, who died after falling from another Liverpool multi-storey car park in October 2020. Gabriel's father, Jonny Santer, has since campaigned for improved safety standards through proposed legislation known as Gabe's Law.
The Multi-Storey Car Parks (Safety) Bill was introduced to Parliament in February 2025 by the family's MP, Maria Eagle. It seeks to mandate increased minimum heights for barriers at car park rooftops.
Elaine Macdonald, a solicitor representing Josh's family, expressed serious concerns about the car park's safety. "There are clear concerns that the railing protection is insufficient," she said, noting another fall had occurred from the same building after Josh's death.
While the inquest heard that railings met current legal requirements, Coroner Rimmer identified inconsistencies in safety guidance and confirmed she would issue a report warning that further deaths could occur without action.
Ketamine's Growing Prevalence
Ketamine, originally developed as an anaesthetic for veterinary and medical use, has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug. According to Office for National Statistics data, five percent of 16 to 24-year-olds admitted trying it in 2023, with usage more than doubling in the past year.
The Class B drug can cause:
- A trance-like state and reality distortion
- Muscle paralysis and loss of bodily sensation
- Serious bladder damage requiring surgical intervention
- Cognitive impairment during intoxication
Mrs Perry concluded her testimony by remembering her son's vibrant personality: "Josh lit up a room with his smile and wicked sense of humour. Our lives have been destroyed by his death, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts."
