Inquest: Vaping Spice Caused Prison Death

A 24-year-old inmate, Adam Diesa-Green, died in HMP Lowdham Grange on January 17, 2025, after suffering cardiac arrest attributed to vaping synthetic cannabinoids. An inquest concluded his death was a misadventure, with the jury describing the use of Spice in a modified vape as a reckless act. The synthetic drug in Diesa-Green's possession was identified as the cause of his death.

The jury heard that illicit substances, including Spice, were readily available within the Nottinghamshire prison. Diesa-Green had been warned about the dangers of Spice use. He had arrived at the Category B jail on June 23, 2023, serving a sentence for wounding with intent.

Although the jury noted the widespread availability of drugs and similar cases at the facility, the assistant coroner expressed satisfaction with the changes implemented at HMP Lowdham Grange. He stated that preventing drug entry and identification of affected individuals remains an ongoing challenge, but declined to issue a prevention of future deaths report.