A 20-year-old makeup artist from Greater Manchester, England, has tragically died after suffering severe complications from using nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, just weeks after warning others about its dangers.
Amy Louise Leonard, called Lou Lou by friends and family, had lost the ability to walk for nearly three weeks before her death. She shared her final message on Facebook on September 30, hoping her story would stop others from making the same mistake.
“I just wanna talk about balloons and what they are doing to your body,” she wrote, along with a video of herself using a nebulizer in an ambulance and a photo of her hooked up to an IV. “They can starve your brain of oxygen, cause dizziness, blackouts, nerve damage, and serious strain on your heart and lungs. It’s easy to think it’s just a quick buzz, but the risks are very real.”
‘All my calves are mashed up’
Amy went on to reveal that she was hospitalized because she could no longer walk. “All my calves are mashed up, my back has a nervous system that’s failing. This has made me so depressed I’ve not been able to move anywhere. I’m in the hospital now getting the help I need. So put your balloons down because you’ll only end up like me.”
Sadly, just two days later, on October 2, Amy passed away after developing fatal blood clots in her heart and lungs, complications that are linked to her nitrous oxide use.
Her devastated mother, Catrina Proctor, shared an emotional tribute through a GoFundMe campaign set up to cover funeral costs. “She truly got along with everyone and lit up every room she walked into,” Proctor wrote. “More than anything, she loved her family deeply.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Proctor pleaded with young people to stay away from the drug. “Balloons are not harmless,” she said. “What’s wrong with just enjoying yourself with friends, without having to take drugs? I won’t stop raising awareness, I don’t ever want this to happen to anyone else.”
What is nitrous oxide and why is it dangerous?
Nitrous oxide or ‘laughing gas’ is a colourless gas commonly used in hospitals and dental clinics to help patients relax during procedures. When administered by medical professionals, it’s safe and controlled.
But when inhaled recreationally, often through balloons or small metal canisters known as whippets, it can have dangerous effects. As per the Cleveland Clinic, misusing the gas can cause oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, heart problems, and even death.
According to medical experts, repeated use can also lead to long-term mental health issues such as depression, memory loss, and psychosis.
What starts as a ‘fun party high’ can quickly turn into a serious medical emergency. Her family now hopes that her final message serves as a life-saving reminder to others. “Amy wanted to warn people, even while she was in pain,” her mother said. “If her story stops just one person from doing balloons, then her voice has made a difference.”