The passing of a young woman has deeply saddened her family.
Amy Louise Leonard, a resident of Bolton, is fondly remembered as a vibrant and talented makeup artist. Prior to her untimely death at 20 years old, she turned to nitrous oxide as a way to cope with anxiety and low moods, as revealed in the proceedings at Bolton Coroners’ Court.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, has legitimate uses in healthcare and catering, but it is also misused recreationally by inhaling it from balloons. Recreational use of nitrous oxide falls under the Class C drug category, as reported by Manchester Evening News.
Amy’s health deteriorated after she began experiencing back pain, numbness, tingling in her legs, and bladder issues, leading to her hospitalization on September 20, 2025. Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead of Greater Manchester Police disclosed that Amy had been consuming a large canister of nitrous oxide daily before seeking medical help.
Initially suspected to have cauda equina syndrome, a nerve compression condition, Amy was later diagnosed with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord due to vitamin B12 deficiency caused by her excessive nitrous oxide use.
Following her admission to the hospital, Amy’s condition worsened rapidly. Her mobility declined, culminating in her collapse on September 30, when she suffered two cardiac arrests. Despite resuscitation efforts, she suffered severe brain damage, developed a pulmonary embolism, and tragically passed away on October 2.
During the inquest, Consultant Neuropathologist Dr. Neil Papworth noted the rarity of fatalities related to nitrous oxide abuse, emphasizing that the consequences are typically not fatal. He explained how nitrous oxide leads to vitamin B12 inactivation, causing conditions like what Amy experienced.
Forensic Toxicologist Kerry Taylor highlighted the increasing use of nitrous oxide and related deaths. She noted challenges in detecting the gas in the blood but observed a rise in incidents involving nitrous oxide.
Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand warned against misusing nitrous oxide, likening it to a dangerous game. Amy’s death was deemed a misadventure, an unintended outcome of her nitrous oxide misuse.
Amy’s family aims to raise awareness about the risks of nitrous oxide abuse, with her mother, Katrina Proctor, advocating for prevention efforts on national platforms like Good Morning Britain. Amy’s family cherishes her memory as a vibrant and hardworking individual and is dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness, exemplified by Amy and her sister’s creation of mental health journals.