Family Campaigns After 'Adored' 20-Year-Old's Death from Nitrous Oxide Abuse
The family of a young woman from Bolton has been left devastated following her tragic death, which has been linked to the recreational use of nitrous oxide. Amy Louise Leonard, aged 20, passed away in October 2025 after suffering two cardiac arrests and severe neurological damage. Her family is now campaigning vigorously to raise public awareness about the hidden dangers of this commonly misused substance.
A Bright Future Cut Short
Amy Louise Leonard is remembered by her loved ones as a bright and bubbly individual who was building a promising career as a talented makeup artist. She was described as the life of the party and had been nominated alongside her sister Caitlin for the Young Business Woman of the Year award, with the final ceremony scheduled just three weeks after her death. Additionally, Amy was actively involved in mental health advocacy, co-creating mental health journals called Between the Lines to support others struggling with anxiety and low moods.
The Path to Tragedy
Bolton Coroners' Court heard that in the weeks leading up to her death, Amy had been using nitrous oxide as a coping mechanism to help her feel happier during periods of anxiety. Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead from Greater Manchester Police testified that she had been consuming one large canister of nitrous oxide every day for a period of time. Nitrous oxide, often known as laughing gas, is legally used in catering and healthcare but is also misused recreationally by inhaling the gas from balloons. Its recreational use is classified as a Class C drug.
Medical Complications and Fatal Outcome
On September 20, 2025, Amy was admitted to hospital after experiencing ten days of lower back pain, numbness and tingling in her legs, and bladder incontinence. Initially, doctors suspected cauda equina, a serious condition involving nerve compression in the spinal cord. However, she was later diagnosed with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, a progressive neurological disorder caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. In Amy's case, her heavy, sustained, excessive abuse of nitrous oxide led to a functional deficiency of B12, as explained in court.
Her condition deteriorated rapidly over the following days. Amy's mobility decreased until she collapsed on September 30, suffering two sudden cardiac arrests. Although medical professionals managed to restart her heart on both occasions, she sustained severe brain damage. Subsequently, she developed a pulmonary embolism after deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and sadly passed away on October 2.
Expert Testimony and Coroner's Verdict
Consultant neuropathologist Dr Neil Papworth informed the court that fatalities from nitrous oxide are rare and unfortunate. He noted that while recreational use of the drug is widespread, most users do not suffer fatal consequences. Dr Papworth detailed how nitrous oxide is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, inactivating vitamin B12 and causing a functional deficiency, which in Amy's instance resulted in spinal cord degeneration.
Kerry Taylor, a consultant forensic toxicologist, also provided evidence, stating that there has been an increase in deaths linked to nitrous oxide. I have seen an increase in deaths where nitrous oxide has been found at the scene, Miss Taylor told the court, highlighting the growing concern among authorities.
Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand concluded the hearing by ruling Amy's death as misadventure, meaning it was an unintended consequence of her nitrous oxide use. He poignantly remarked that misusing the drug is akin to playing a game of chemical Russian Roulette. Drug misuse has killed and taken from a family a bright young woman, he stated. She had so much to live for, she was at the heart of a functioning family.
Family's Awareness Campaign
In the wake of this tragedy, Amy's family is determined to prevent similar losses. Her mother, Katrina Proctor, has bravely appeared on national television programmes such as Good Morning Britain to share her daughter's story. Their campaign aims to educate the public, particularly young people, about the severe health risks associated with nitrous oxide abuse, including spinal cord damage, vitamin deficiencies, and potential cardiac events.
The family hopes that by raising awareness, they can honour Amy's memory and contribute to a broader understanding of the dangers posed by this substance, which is often perceived as harmless due to its legal uses in other contexts.
