Don’t mix booze and party pills says family of dead man

The family of a man who died after a weekend of alcohol and party pills is warning others not to mix the two.

The Levin Coroner's Court heard yesterday that Aaron Mark Werder, 29, of Hawera, died from heart failure at Foxton Beach on March 7 after a night of drinking, mixed with herbal tablets to boost energy.

The over-the-counter tablets raised ephedrine levels, which can reduce blood flow to the heart, the court was told.

Speaking after the inquest yesterday Mr Werder's father, Graeme Werder, warned of the danger of mixing alcohol with other drugs for an extra high.

"I never thought I'd be going through this," he said.

"He was a fit, muscle-bound young man."

Pathologist Vanaja Muthurajah said Aaron Werder died from a lack of blood to the heart, most likely secondary to an uneven heartbeat from raised ephedrine levels.

Mr Werder and a group of friends started drinking about 1.30 pm on March 6 at Foxton Beach.

Mr Werder ate a roast dinner at a local boat club in the evening before continuing to drink beer, spirits and other liquor until about 2am.

He had at least three or four party pills.

The herbal tablets he took were known as Turbo Charged, which are used in the rave scene to help partygoers stay awake.

Also used for physical training, the recommended intake is one or two tablets, one to two hours before training.

Mr Werder was found lying face down on grass about 7am on March 7.

He could not be revived.

Graeme Werder and his partner Lorraine Knox cautioned others against using herbal supplements with alcohol.

"Enjoy life but don't take other measures to make you feel good," Ms Knox said.

- NZPA