UPDATE: The tragic death of Belfast beautician Chloe Ferris, 24, has been linked to a lethal combination of cocaine, ketamine, and alcohol, confirmed during an inquest at Laganside Court on December 3, 2025. Chloe was found unresponsive in a toilet at Lux nightclub in the early hours of December 1, just hours after celebrating her birthday.
The inquest revealed that Chloe’s friends reported she had been drinking at home before heading out. Eyewitness statements indicated she purchased cocaine using a friend’s phone due to embarrassment. Despite this behavior being “out of character,” she had reportedly used cocaine on at least one prior occasion.
Chloe and her friends entered Lux nightclub around 1 AM after spending time at a city center bar. CCTV footage showed them entering a bathroom stall at approximately 1:17 AM. Concern arose when nightclub staff noticed the door remained locked for nearly half an hour.
Emergency services were alerted at 1:55 AM, with firefighters arriving within three minutes. Paramedics employed a reciprocal saw to access the stall, revealing Chloe’s position, which was critical to the fatal outcome. She was found on her knees with her head toward the door, indicating a risk of asphyxiation due to her posture.
“The position that Chloe passed out in played a critical factor in her death,”
stated Coroner Joe McCrisken, who highlighted that her higher-than-average BMI may have exacerbated the situation. Despite resuscitation efforts, Chloe was pronounced dead shortly after.
Post-mortem toxicology results showed Chloe had cocaine, ketamine, and a blood alcohol level of 107mg per litre, exceeding the legal driving limit of 80mg per litre. Coroner McCrisken emphasized the dangers of mixing these substances, noting their combined effects could lead to unpredictable and deadly outcomes.
In a poignant statement, Chloe’s father, Declan Ferris, compared drug use to “playing Russian roulette” with one’s life. He echoed the coroner’s warning that similar risks are being taken by many during nights out, urging caution.
This incident is part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chloe’s death. Authorities are urging the public to be aware of the severe consequences associated with drug use, especially in combination with alcohol.
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