Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2020

Jerrelle McKenzie

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2020-0144, written 17 Jul 2020. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report17 Jul 2020
Reference2020-0144
DeceasedJerrelle McKenzie
CoronerEmma Whitting
Coroner areaBedfordshire and Luton
CategoryAlcohol, drug and medication related deaths
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

47812-2019 

Senior Coroner - Emma Whitting 
Bedfordshire & Luton 
REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 
Secretary of state, Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP 
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport 
100 Parliament Street 
London 
SW1A 2BQUnited Kingdom 
CORONER 

1 

I am Emma WHITTING, Senior Coroner for the area of Bedfordshire and Luton Coroner 
Service 

2 

CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this Report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 
and Regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/25/schedule/5/paragraph/7 
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1629/part/7/made 

3 

INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On Thirteenth August 2019 I commenced an Investigation into the death of Jerrelle 
MCKENZIE aged 21. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 
Fourteenth July 2020. The conclusion of the inquest was Drug related. 

Ia Drug Overdose 

4 

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 
The Deceased was admitted to Luton & Dunstable Hospital during the early evening of 
3 August 2019, having admitted to taking an overdose of Dinitrophenol tablets (DNP). 
Despite appropriate treatment, his condition deteriorated and he passed away there 
later that evening; his death being confirmed at 21:00 hours.  Post-mortem evidence 
confirmed a DNP blood level of approximately 76 mg/l which it appeared he had 
accessed over the internet (dark-web) in an attempt to lose weight and improve his 
body image. 

5 

CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During the course of the Inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. 
In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the 
circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. 

##DW<<corAddress>> 
Tel ##DW<<corTel>>  |  Fax ##DW<<corFax>> 

 The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows : 

(1) The Deceased had taken an overdose of Dinitrophenol (DNP) yet this drug was 
banned in the UK in 1938 due to its harmful effects; 
(2) It appears that the Deceased, who was an intelligent and thoughtful individual, was 
drawn to consuming DNP to lose weight and improve his body image and it was 
believed that this was through the influence of social media; 
(3) Despite its ban, it is thought that the Deceased was able access the DNP over the 
Internet (“dark web”) 

6 

ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you 
Secretary of State have the power to take such action. 

7 

YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, 
namely by 11 September 2020. I, the coroner, may extend the period. 

Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out 
the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 

8 

COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the Deceased’s family.  I 
have also sent it to 
Crime Unit who may find it useful or of interest. 

of The Food Standards Agency, National Food 

I am also under a duty to send the Chief Coroner a copy of your Response. 

The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary 
form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it 
useful or of interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of 
your response, about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief 
Coroner. 

9 

Emma WHITTING 
Senior Coroner for 
Bedfordshire and Luton Coroner Service 
Dated: 17 July 2020 

Bedfordshire and Luton Coroner Service 
Tel 0300 300 8383 | FAX

Related reports

Other reports by Emma Whitting

See all →

More reports categorised “Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths”

See all →

Track Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths

See every Prevention of Future Deaths report matching Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths, and how often a new one appears.

What would an alert for this have sent me? Search the full text

Free to try — the preview shows the real matches and how many arrived in the last 12 months. Your first email alert is free.

These reports are published by the Chief Coroner's office at judiciary.uk and are © Crown copyright. The text here is reproduced from the published PDF so it can be searched. If something on this page is wrong, or you are a person named in it and want it reviewed, email drcjar@gmail.com and we will act promptly.