A 20-year-old woman died from the effects of inhaling gases found in lighter fluid, a coroner has concluded.  

Ruby Williams, from March, had butane, isobutane and propane detected in her blood system, an inquest into her death heard.  

“These are all components of liquefied petroleum gas which is used as a fuel and aerosol propellant,” said a toxicologist’s report.   

Miss Williams also had severe liver damage which also contributed towards her death.  

Her body was found at a property in Acre Road on March 10 this year. 

Simon Milburn, area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, also noted there were butane gas cannisters found at the address.  

The inquest, held at Lawrence Court, in Huntingdon, today (Monday) delved into Miss Williams’ mental health history. 

She was first referred to the child and adolescent mental health service in 2019 and was in contact with her GP and Fenland community mental health services. 

Mr Milburn said: “I know Miss Williams did have a history of self-harm and had in the past expressed some thoughts of taking her own life.   

“But it seems to me there is no particular evidence that by inhaling these substances that Miss Williams was attempting to take her own life prior to March 10.   

“It seems to me there isn’t going to be the evidence to make a finding of suicide in this case.”   

He went on to confirm the medical cause of death as: propane, isobutane and N-butane inhalation contributed to by cirrhosis and severe steatosis of the liver.  

Miss Williams’ death was officially recorded as “drug related”.  

Mr Milburn said: “[I want to] take the opportunity to pass on my condolences to Miss Williams’ family for your sad loss.  

“It is clearly tragic that someone so young has struggled with their mental health and died in these circumstances. I’m very sorry indeed.”  

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