An inquest has opened into the death of a student linked to nitrous oxide - a legal drug at the time.
Ellen Mercer, 24, died at Wexham Park Hospital on February 9, 2023, a day after becoming ill.
Her cause of death was identified as "cardiorespiratory collapse."
Subsequent tests found traces of nitrous oxide, a party drug inhaled via balloons, in Ms Mercer's system.
Nitrous oxide - known as 'laughing gas' - was designated a Class C drug last year, but was not illegal at the time of Ms Mercer's death.
The ban only came into effect in November 2023.
On Tuesday, February 27, an inquest into the business student's death opened at Reading Coroner's Court.
Assistant coroner Hannah Godfrey said Ms Mercer had "a history of nitrous oxide abuse."
A full two-day inquest is set to begin on April 10.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article