Scrap dealer, 19, died after taking ecstasy
A CORONER has warned of the "terrible dangers" of taking the drug ecstasy after a teenager died.
Daryl Thirlwall (pictured) suffered a heart attack from a lethal dose of the drug.
Friends desperately tried to revive the 19-year-old but he never regained consciousness.
An inquest in Portsmouth last month heard how Daryl, a scrap dealer, of Blackthorn Road, Hayling, went for a drink with friends at the Hayling Billy pub, in Elm Grove, on the evening of November 8, 2008.
The group then went to a friend's flat in Portsmouth.
Friend Darren Anscombe said: "Me and him took some. We were having a laugh at that time.
"I went into the kitchen and heard Danny's girlfriend scream.
"I went into the front room and he was lying on the floor, lifeless."
Mr Anscombe dialled 999 and under instruction from the operator, carried out chest compressions until paramedics arrived.
Mr Anscombe said Daryl had been "happy" that night but starting "acting strangely."
He said: "I saw him take that substance. I honestly could not tell you how much."
John Upsher, Acting Sergeant at Portsmouth police station, said officers found a white powder at the flat, as well as alcohol.
Mr Anscombe said Daryl had had only a modest amount to drink.
"He drank alcohol," he added. "It can't have been a lot because we were not at the Billy (pub] for very long."
Daryl was admitted to Queen Alexandra Hospital shortly after 10pm, but was pronounced dead from heart failure just 12 minutes later.
Dr Barbara Borek, forensic pathologist, said: "Toxicological analysis has detected the presence of a potentially fatal concentration of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy."
Tests showed there was 4,491mg of the drug per litre in his blood.
Portsmouth's deputy assistant coroner Carolyn Russell said: "He died as a result of the consumption of MDMA.
"I do not believe he intended to take his own life.
"His death was an accident. This is a very sad case of a young life ended prematurely and highlights the terrible dangers of this substance."
Facebook tributes
FRIENDS and family have paid tribute to Daryl Thirlwall, describing him as a "great bloke with a heart of gold."
More than 250 people have joined a tribute page in memory of Daryl, who was a huge Pompey fan, on social networking site Facebook.
Dan Warner said: "Gone but never forgotten mate."
Debbie Mawson said: "I can't believe you were just taken like that. Life is so unfair. "Life is gonna be so quiet without you. I love you gangsta."
Danny Thomas said: "Daz you were one the closest mates I had on this Island."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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