Mother's Heartbreak Over Son's Ketamine Death Calls for Action on 'Evil Drug'
A devastated mother has branded ketamine an "evil drug infecting our children" following the inquest into her son's tragic death from a multi-storey car park fall. Promising rugby player Josh Perry, aged 21, died in March last year after a four-year battle with addiction to the Class B substance, known colloquially as 'Special K'.
'He Would Still Be Here Today'
Natasha Perry, Josh's mother, delivered an emotional statement during the inquest, asserting that her "wonderful, caring and kind" son would never have taken his own life. "Josh would still be here today if it were not for the evil drug that is ketamine," she declared. "I want people to realise that there is an epidemic of this drug, and that it is infecting our children because it is too freely available."
Mrs Perry urged authorities to take decisive action to prevent other families from enduring similar heartache. The inquest, held earlier this month in Liverpool, heard that Josh, a bank worker from Bootle, Merseyside, fell from the 19th floor of a car park on March 14 last year. Paramedics discovered him between parked vehicles and, despite resuscitation attempts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rugby Talent and Addiction Struggle
Josh was a talented rugby league player at youth level for Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings, described by his family as "adored" and "desperately missed." His mother recalled him as the "golden child" who was "never in trouble" until his ketamine addiction began, which came as a "shock to the family." She likened his behaviour under the influence to a "walking spaceman" who struggled with basic tasks like picking up a glass.
The inquest heard that Josh's ketamine use escalated to up to 7 grams daily, costing £200, leading to a diagnosis of ketamine bladder—a chronic inflammation condition—in November 2024. He self-referred to rehabilitation, staying for eight weeks and achieving sobriety, but was discharged on March 9, 2025.
Final Days and Coroner's Findings
Just four days after discharge, Mrs Perry became suspicious of a relapse when taking him to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, noting he sounded dissociated. She later found drug residue in his bedroom, prompting Josh to book into a Premier Inn in Liverpool city centre. On the day of his death, they exchanged texts where she warned he would become "really ill" again, to which he apologised and vowed to stop.
Helen Rimmer, area coroner for Liverpool, noted that Josh had never expressed suicidal thoughts and had made future plans, including meeting friends. Analysis revealed ketamine consumption "consistent with moderate to excessive use" prior to his death, with effects including drowsiness, hallucinations, and unsteadiness. The coroner concluded that, influenced by the drug, it could not be established he intended to take his own life, recording a narrative verdict of death from multiple injuries after a fall.
Safety Concerns and Legal Standards
Mrs Perry also criticised the "inadequate" railings at the car park, which Josh was able to climb over before falling. However, the inquest heard they met "legal requirements," with lawyer William Bommel for owner ParkBee stating the fittings complied with building regulations. Coroner Rimmer issued a "prevention of future death" report, calling for resolution of a "conflict between regulations, guidance and standards" regarding car park parapets.
Growing Ketamine Epidemic
Originally used as a horse tranquilliser and occasionally in the NHS for anaesthesia and depression treatment, ketamine is one of the UK's fastest-growing drugs. According to the Office for National Statistics, 5% of 16- to 24-year-olds admitted trying it in 2023, with use more than doubling in the past year. Mrs Perry's plea highlights urgent concerns over its widespread availability and impact on young lives, as her family's life has been "destroyed" by the loss.
