Mum, 21, found dead after inhaling laughing gas while battling chest infection

A young mum died after inhaling laughing gas while battling a chest infection, an inquest heard.

Kira Booth's body was discovered in her flat by her support worker last November.

The 21-year-old's family said she left home by choice at a young age but regularly kept in touch with her five siblings and parents.

She was described as a 'very kind and generous' woman who was active in sports including swimming, gymnastics, football and dancing.

A statement from Kira's mum Carla Booth, read to Preston Coroner's Court, described how the young mum had struggled with her mental health and with rules, which is why she left the family home.

Kira was previously diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and had been sectioned a number of times under the Mental Health Act.

Since giving birth, she lived in a mother and baby unit before moving into a flat in Burnley, Lancashire.

Around July last year, she told a social worker she had been hearing voices, which led to her baby being taken away, LancsLive reports.

She had access to her child three times a week, the inquest heard.

Before she died, Kira's mum said her daughter had not been active on social media for almost 24 hours - which was unusual.

Police confirmed later that day that Kira had died in her flat.

Det Insp Steven Slater, the senior investigating officer in the case, told the inquest there was no evidence of Kira being injured or any evidence of third-party involvement in her death.

There were no concerns about the property but a large number of nitrous oxide containers were found, he said.

One was on the floor near her bed, one was down the back of a sofa, and a further 18 packaged up ready to be thrown out.

A number of tablet strips were also found - some empty, some not.

Two small snap bags, which the officer said potentially could have contained cocaine, were also recovered from the property.

A CT post-mortem examination indicated there was no trauma related to Kira's cause of death.

A toxicology report showed there was recent cocaine use but no other compounds were detected.

Kira's family were not initially aware Kira had been taking drugs, the court heard.

But they became more aware of her drug use towards the end of her life, though they said it was more recreational rather than a dependency.

Ms Bissett said nitrous oxide could not be detected by toxicology examinations as it leaves the body upon death.

She said there was no evidence Kira had intended to take her own life.

Coroner Kate Bissett said Kira had a 'strong will to live' and her records showed she 'worked through her difficulties'.

She said: "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.

"She was not a habitual user."

Ms Bissett recorded a conclusion of misadventure, adding: "Kira Booth died on November 12, 2024, at her home address, having consumed nitrous oxide while suffering with a chest infection."