15-year-old's death linked to gas abuse

Police are investigating the death of a Nelson youth after he apparently inhaled butane gas last night.

The 15-year-old's death is the second of its kind in a month after a 19-year-old Nelson man died on December 28 shortly after inhaling the gas.

Nelson coroner Ian Smith was investigating both deaths.

Police were called by ambulance staff at 10.30pm to help with the unconscious youth.

Nelson Bays St John Ambulance manager Hank Bader said he had become disorientated before collapsing, and died at Nelson Hospital.

A butane gas canister, which resembles an aerosol can, was found at the scene.

Mr Bader said he was not sure whether the youth had inhaled the gas from the canister or had sprayed it into a bag first.

Users of butane and nitrous oxide gas get a 30-second high and can experience hallucinations.

A friend of the youth told police he had been using butane gas.

Several young people have been referred to Youth Aid and the Nelson Drug and Alcohol clinic after being found inhaling gases during the past 12 months.

Nelson Youth Aid Sergeant Ross Lienert said the death was an "absolute tragedy".

"It is tragic someone has to die from this. Please, please, please don't use it," he said.

- NZPA