Kira Booth’s body was discovered in her flat and a coroner has now ruled she died after inhaling laughing gas while battling a chest infection
A young mother tragically passed away after inhaling laughing gas while fighting off a chest infection, an inquest has determined. Kira Booth, at the age of just 21, was found dead in her apartment by her support worker in November.
Kira left her family home while still very young, but she made sure to stay connected with her five siblings and parents, an inquest was told.
Her relatives remembered her as a “very kind and generous” young woman who loved sports, including swimming, gymnastics, football, and dancing.
Initially unaware that Kira had been using drugs, her family later realised it was more for recreational use rather than addiction towards the end of her life.
During the inquest at Preston Coroner’s Court, coroner Kate Bissett read evidence from Kira’s mother, Carla Booth, which highlighted that Kira battled with mental health issues and often found rules challenging, prompting her departure from home, reports Lancs Live.
Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, Kira had been sectioned multiple times under the Mental Health Act. Post childbirth, she resided in a mother and baby unit before relocating to her own flat in Burnley, Lancashire.
In around July of the previous year, after telling a social worker she was hearing voices, Kira was separated from her child, getting to see her baby just three times weekly.
In the lead-up to her death, Kira’s mother noticed her absence from social media for around 24 hours – a distinctly unusual behaviour pattern for her daughter.
It was later confirmed by police that Kira had passed away in her flat. Detective Inspector Steven Slater, who led the investigation, informed the inquest that there appeared to be no signs of injury or third-party involvement in her death.
He mentioned the flat was itself not a cause for concern but noted an abundance of nitrous oxide canisters were present – one was discovered near her bed, another behind a sofa, and a further 18 packaged, seemingly ready for disposal.
Also found in the premises were various tablet strips, some used up and others not, along with two small resealable plastic bags which, according to the officer, could have potentially contained cocaine.
A CT post-mortem examination indicated no physical injuries contributed to Kira’s death. However, a toxicological analysis revealed recent cocaine consumption although no other substances were identified.
Ms Bissett clarified that nitrous oxide is undetectable in toxicology screenings since it evacuates the body posthumously.
She added that there was nothing to suggest Kira had any intention of self-harm. Kira was described as having a “strong will to live”, and her history illustrated how she consistently confronted her problems.
According to Ms Bissett: “Kira wasn’t someone who had given up on normal life and was engaging in all sorts of drugs. She was someone who managed her problems by having a positive time experimenting with substances.”
Coroner Ms Bissett concluded: “She was not a habitual user.”
Ms Bissett recorded a conclusion of misadventure, stating: “Kira Booth died on November 12, 2024, at her home address, having consumed nitrous oxide whilst suffering with a chest infection.”
