The parents of 22-year-old George Lusby have issued a stark seven-word warning that "child criminal exploitation can reach any child" following their son's tragic death, an inquest has heard. George died at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in August 2025 after suffering a catastrophic brain injury resulting from a cardiac arrest.
Bullying and Exploitation at Boarding School
An inquest at Norwich Coroner's Court was told that George, described by his parents Damon Lusby and Jane Stasiak as "lively, funny and intelligent, with a mop of bright orange hair," became vulnerable after starting at Wymondham College. The boarding school, where annual fees for sixth formers start at £17,550, became the setting where he was bullied for his red hair.
His mother explained that while George was proud of his red hair as a child, the bullying at school made him vulnerable. The court heard that after starting at Wymondham College, George was targeted and groomed by county lines drug dealers operating in the Norfolk area.
Escalating Criminal Exploitation
His father detailed how the exploitation began with his son being tricked into carrying packages, before escalating into demands for money and threats of violence. "George went down roads no parents want their child to go down," he told the court, adding that his son was intentionally exploited and threatened by adults targeting vulnerable children to act as drug runners.
Medical records revealed George was diagnosed with depression in 2020 and later with PTSD, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. He struggled with night terrors and used cannabis, alcohol and non-prescribed medication to cope with his mental health challenges.
Turning His Life Around
Despite years of trauma at the hands of drug gangs, George's parents told the court that before his death, their son had begun to completely turn his life around. In the final eight months of his life, he worked continuously in the building trade, joined a gym, passed his driving test and was saving for his future.
His mother said: "His employers were delighted with him. He was working hard and making plans." In the week before his death, George had been in good spirits and had been offered a full-time job. "I saw him that afternoon," his mother added. "He was excited, talking about the future and moving on."
The Final Evening
On the evening of August 16, 2025, George went out with friends. It is believed he drank alcohol and took diazepam. His father expressed his belief that George's new-found positivity meant he was partying "too hard" and went "too far."
At around 5pm the following day, friends found him unresponsive. CPR was started immediately, and an ambulance arrived shortly after 6pm. He was taken to hospital by air ambulance in critical condition.
Medical Details and Heart-Breaking Decision
Doctors told the court that George was frothing at the mouth, required high levels of oxygen and continued twitching despite sedation. Anti-epileptic medication was administered, and he was placed in critical care. After 48 hours, his condition stabilised slightly, but repeated scans showed devastating brain injury caused by lack of oxygen during cardiac arrest.
An ECG also revealed heart abnormalities, including an enlarged right side of the heart, previously unknown to his family. Doctors concluded he would have a very poor neurological outcome. After discussions with clinicians, George's family made the heart-breaking decision to withdraw treatment. He died at 11.15pm on August 22, 2025. His organs were later donated to help others.
Coroner's Conclusion
The medical cause of death was recorded as anoxic brain injury following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with aspiration of gastric contents due to alcohol and non-prescribed drugs. Recording a conclusion of misadventure, Coroner Johanna Thompson acknowledged the complex social and medical factors in George's life, saying: "The medical cause of death may give an impression that does not convey the full history."
George's tearful parents reiterated their warning in a statement: "Child criminal exploitation can reach any child." The inquest heard that although the medical evidence painted a picture of substance misuse and mental ill health, it represented only "one part of the story" of a young man who remained haunted by his past exploitation even as he worked to build a better future.
