Sister of tragic Cork teen who died after taking deadly 'laughing gas' drug issues urgent warning to youngsters

Alex Ryan died in 2016 after consuming a synthetic drug known as N Bomb

The sister of a teenage boy who died after taking the synthetic drug “N Bomb” has urged youngsters not to try “laughing gas” after reports emerged of empty canisters and cartridges being found on beaches in Ireland.

Alex Ryan, from Liscahane in Millstreet, Co Cork died on January 23 2016 after consuming a synthetic drug of the 2C family called 251 NBOMe known as N Bomb at a house party in the city.

His older sister Nicole has visited dozens of schools around the country to speak to students and to raise awareness of the dangers of synthetic drugs.

Nicole has called on young people not to try nitrous oxide a “laughing gas” which can lead to death by suffocation. She warns that it is a depressant and slows down the messages travelling from the brain to the body.

“The effects are immediate and tend to last 2-3 minutes while some other side effects can last 30-40 minutes.

When somebody inhales laughing gas, it makes them giddy & laugh uncontrollably hence its name – it can also make them feel like they are floating.

Inhaling nitrous oxide can be fatal if it cut’s off your oxygen supply causing hypoxia. Basically your brain suffocates.

When inhaling directly from a canister/whippet the gas is extremely cold (around -40oc) and can cause frostbite to the lips, nose and throat. “

Nicole says the gas can cause raptures in the lung tissue when it’s inhaled from the canister.

“ A person can also really harm themselves if the canister is faulty because it can explode

So, for the sake of a 2-3-minute high it’s really not worth it. There are many other (safe & healthy) ways to get your kicks without putting yourself in harm’s way. “

Earlier this year the HSE warned of the dangers of the gas which is popular among festival goers.

The gas is intended for use as an anesthetic in dental practices or as propellant in whipped cream canisters.

Under Irish legislation, it is illegal to sell it or consume it.

Long term risks associated with frequent use include red blood cell problems and Vitamin B deficiency.

It's understood that canisters have been found in beaches in Dublin and Wicklow in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Ms Ryan has urged the public to consider organ donation after it emerged that a woman who received a kidney from her brother was able to walk part of the arduous Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Earlier this month Nicole and her mother Irene received a massive boost when they a card came in the letterbox from a middle aged woman who was the recipient of Alex’s kidney.

Nicole says they also received a card from the woman’s daughter.

“I was so excited and as I was reading the first card I was crying, but the second one was so poignant that I couldn’t continue reading it out loud until I regained control as it was overwhelming.

The lady who got Alex’s kidney said she had given up hope that she would ever get one. She was so happy when she had the transplant which made such a difference to her whole life.

“Fourteen months after the operation she was well enough to walk part of the Camino de Santiago. “

Nicole said the card from the woman’s daughter, who recently got married, really opened the emotional floodgates.

“She said her mum was able to walk her down the aisle. That was something she didn’t think would ever be possible.

For my mum and me it’s so lovely to hear how Alex’s death was not in vain but it’s also such a bittersweet feeling.

Nicole is calling on other families who find themselves in tragic circumstances to consider organ donation.

“Please give them if you can as it is the gift of life for so many others and as time passes it is a great comfort to know that part of your loved one lives on.”

Following the inquest of eighteen year old Alex Ryan Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn wrote to the Department of Education calling for more drugs awareness programmes in schools

Meanwhile, at the inquest two years ago of 16 year old, Michael Cornacchia, who died from an overdose of fentanyl in Cork Mr Comyn again repeated his call for additional resources to be put in to drugs education in post primary schools.

He also wrote to the National Association of Secondary Teachers, the Department of Education and to teacher unions about the matter.

Six foot seven inch “gentle giant” Alex was a popular past pupil of Millstreet Community School. His death led the HSE to issue a warning about the dangers of the 2C family of psychedelic drugs.

These drugs can be sold in liquid, powder and tablet form and are consumed for their stimulant and mood altering properties.

After Alex died Nicole and her mum spread his ashes at Ballyheigue Beach in County Kerry where they had such happy holiday memories.

“When we go there we feel very close to him. We are glad that Alex’s death was not wasted and that through (my website) Alex’s Adventures he is very much alive in our minds and hearts.

“I love spreading the word to young people about the dangers of drug taking and the choices they have to make. By doing this it helps ease the grief and is a positive way of celebrating his short life”.

Information on Organ donation can be found by heading here.