Home / Disasters and Accidents / Young Footballer Drowns After Drug Overdose
Young Footballer Drowns After Drug Overdose
26 Feb
Summary
- Teenager drowned after falling into a river while highly intoxicated.
- Significant quantity of amitriptyline was ingested prior to death.
- Coroner ruled drowning due to intoxication, not suicide.
A tragic incident has led to the confirmed drowning of 19-year-old Tristan O'Keefe in a river near Pontypool. An inquest revealed that Tristan was found dead in the river on June 11, 2025, days after being reported missing. CCTV footage from June 9, 2025, showed him in a visibly intoxicated state, stumbling and appearing confused as he walked towards the river.
Subsequent toxicological analysis established that Tristan had ingested a significant quantity of amitriptyline. Mobile phone records indicated messages referencing the consumption of a large amount of the drug, including a Google search for 'amitriptyline liquid UK'. The coroner determined that Tristan's severe intoxication impaired his coordination and awareness, leading to him likely falling into the river.
Due to his compromised physical and cognitive state, he was unable to extricate himself, resulting in drowning. The coroner emphasized that there was no evidence of suicidal intent, concluding Tristan was likely experimenting with the drug without fully appreciating its severe effects. Tristan was a footballer for Pontnewynydd AFC, who retired his number three shirt in his memory.
