What caused Amy Leonard's death?

Amy Leonard died from subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, a condition resulting from a functional deficiency of vitamin B12 due to heavy nitrous oxide abuse.

How is nitrous oxide linked to vitamin B12 deficiency?

Nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12 in the bloodstream, leading to a functional deficiency that can cause neurological disorders like subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.

What did the coroner say about nitrous oxide misuse?

The senior coroner described misusing nitrous oxide as being akin to playing a game of chemical Russian Roulette, highlighting the severe risks involved.

Home / Health / Nitrous Oxide Abuse: A Game of Chemical Russian Roulette

Nitrous Oxide Abuse: A Game of Chemical Russian Roulette

7 Mar

•

Summary

Young makeup artist died from B12 deficiency caused by nitrous oxide.
Her condition worsened after hospital admission, leading to cardiac arrest.
Her death was ruled misadventure due to unintended consequences of drug use.

Nitrous Oxide Abuse: A Game of Chemical Russian Roulette

A young makeup artist, Amy Leonard, tragically passed away in October 2025 at the age of 20 due to complications arising from the misuse of nitrous oxide. Her death, ruled as misadventure, stemmed from subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, a neurological disorder caused by a functional deficiency of vitamin B12. This deficiency was a direct result of her heavy and sustained recreational use of nitrous oxide.

Amy had been using nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, as a coping mechanism for anxiety in the weeks prior to her death. She initially sought medical help in September 2025 for severe back pain and neurological symptoms. Doctors diagnosed her with a condition exacerbated by her excessive drug consumption.