21-Year-Old Kira Booth Found Dead at Home
A young mother from Burnley, Lancashire, tragically died after inhaling nitrous oxide—commonly referred to as laughing gas—while suffering from a chest infection. Kira Booth, aged 21, was found dead in her flat by a concerned support worker in November 2024. Her death has shocked the local community and raised further awareness of the hidden dangers associated with nitrous oxide abuse.
Nitrous Oxide and Chest Infection Fatal Combination
An inquest into her death, held this week, revealed that while Kira was not a habitual drug user, the combination of a chest infection and the use of nitrous oxide proved fatal. Despite having a history of mental health challenges, family and professionals confirmed she had been trying to rebuild her life and maintain regular contact with her child.
The Day of the Tragedy
Support Worker’s Discovery Raises Alarm
Kira’s support worker became worried after she had not posted on social media or responded to messages for 24 hours. On entering her home, emergency responders found her unresponsive and surrounded by dozens of nitrous oxide canisters—some beside her bed and sofa, and 18 more packaged in a bag nearby. Two small bags containing what appeared to be cocaine were also recovered from the scene.
Scene Revealed Evidence of Substance Use
Though Kira was already deceased by the time paramedics arrived, there were no visible signs of trauma. The presence of multiple canisters and possible drug paraphernalia confirmed that substance use was a key factor in the incident.
Inquest Findings and Coroner’s Verdict
Post-Mortem Showed No Trauma but Drug Use Confirmed
A post-mortem examination found no external injuries. Toxicology reports indicated recent cocaine use, although nitrous oxide cannot be detected post-mortem due to how rapidly it dissipates in the body. Crucially, Kira had also been battling a chest infection, which likely intensified the risk associated with inhaling the gas.
Misadventure Ruled in Tragic Death
Coroner Kate Bisset ruled Kira’s death as a result of misadventure, stating: “This was not an intentional overdose or suicide. She was trying to manage a moment but underestimated the risk.” The coroner emphasized Kira’s strong will to live and her attempts to reclaim a normal life.
Nitrous Oxide: A Dangerous “Party Drug”
What Makes Laughing Gas So Risky
Often seen as a harmless “party drug,” nitrous oxide can deprive the brain and body of oxygen, leading to fainting, unconsciousness, or death. Its euphoric effect lasts only seconds, prompting users to inhale repeatedly, compounding the danger.
Why Chest Infections Worsen the Danger
Inhaling nitrous oxide reduces lung function, which is already compromised during respiratory infections. In Kira’s case, this likely worsened her oxygen deprivation, making her body unable to recover after repeated use.
Mental Health and Personal Struggles
Kira’s History of Borderline Personality Disorder
Kira had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a condition that had led to several mental health hospitalizations. She had previously been housed in a mother and baby unit before moving into supported accommodation.
Efforts to Rebuild Life and Maintain Parental Role
Despite losing full custody of her child in July 2024 due to concerns over her mental health, Kira had maintained visitation rights, seeing her child three times per week. Support staff confirmed she was committed to improving her well-being and reconnecting with her family.
Family’s Emotional Tribute
“She Was Kind, Generous and Sporty” – Remembering Kira
Kira’s mother, Carla Booth, shared touching memories of her daughter, describing her as “a kind, generous, and sporty young woman” who had excelled at gymnastics, football, and dance. The family said they were unaware of her drug use until her death and believed it was occasional rather than habitual.
Heartbreak Over the Loss of a Young Mother
“Kira had so much to live for and was making real efforts to move forward,” her family said. The tragedy has left her loved ones devastated and committed to raising awareness of the dangers of nitrous oxide.
Legal and Social Context
Laughing Gas Reclassified as Class C Drug
Following a surge in recreational misuse, the UK government reclassified nitrous oxide as a Class C drug in November 2023, making possession for recreational purposes illegal. The law change aims to tackle the growing health crisis related to the gas, which had previously been easily available.
Rising Cases Prompt Government Crackdown
Kira’s death is part of a growing list of fatal or near-fatal cases involving nitrous oxide, prompting campaigns from both health professionals and parents urging young people to understand the risks.
Conclusion
A Cautionary Tale on the Hidden Dangers of Nitrous Oxide
Kira Booth’s death is a stark reminder that “legal highs” can be just as deadly as hard drugs, especially when compounded by underlying health issues. Her story is not just a tragic loss, but a wake-up call about the risks of nitrous oxide and the importance of mental health support for young parents.
FAQs
Q1: Who was Kira Booth?
A1: Kira Booth was a 21-year-old mum from Burnley who tragically died in November 2024 after inhaling nitrous oxide while battling a chest infection.
Q2: What caused her death?
A2: Her death was ruled misadventure. It was likely caused by the combined effects of nitrous oxide use and a respiratory infection.
Q3: Was she a regular drug user?
A3: No. The inquest noted that Kira was not a habitual drug user, and her family believed her use was occasional.
Q4: Is laughing gas illegal in the UK?
A4: Yes. As of November 2023, possession of nitrous oxide for recreational use is a criminal offense under Class C drug classification.
Q5: What can be learned from this case?
A5: Kira’s death highlights the need for greater awareness around the dangers of nitrous oxide and the importance of mental health and addiction support.
