Helium Overdose?

by String 28.02.15 10:59

It takes a lot of planning and preparation! Men in suites?

The wording is a disgrace! Daily Star -

"The suicide bag, or "helium hood" method, consists of placing a large bag over the head and securing it around the neck, while a tube feeds helium into the hood."

by worriedmum 28.02.15 11:19

What is the date of this article please?
What a dreadful and disrespectful headline it has been given. I am shocked.

by Doug abc 28.02.15 11:25

What?? If that is true, it couldn't be more suspicious. Middle class lady and elaborate inert gas poisoning
couldn't be moe incongruous. It would require specialist paraphernalia, was that at the scene?

by Guest 28.02.15 11:27

The final inquest hasn't happened yet so no recording of death as taken place,so where did the star get the story from.

by **sharonl** 28.02.15 11:40

WMD wrote:The final inquest hasn't happened yet so no recording of death as taken place,so where did the star get the story from.

Where does the Daily Star get any of its stories from? It probably employees a bunch of low paid unqualified and inexperienced journalists who make them up as they go along.

Good honest investigative journalism costs money and you get sued for printing the truth these days.

by littlepixie 28.02.15 12:16

How weird, GMP were only warning of the dangers of using helium this week. Never heard of people using hoods with it though. They just suck it straight out of the canister.
It's use is very widespread by young people at festivals.

Would Mrs Leylands death certificate have even been released yet??

Whoever wrote that in the Daily Star wants striking off. How disrespectful to a dead woman and her family. Just shows the evil behind the McCann case.

by plebgate 28.02.15 12:32

What an absolutely disgraceful headline from that (toilet)Paper.

I really cannot believe how standards have dropped so low in this Country.

Whoever gave the go ahead for that headline can't (imo) have any respect for themselves let alone someone who has died in such tragic circumstances.

Rest in peace Brenda. roses

by **Tony Bennett** 28.02.15 13:25

littlepixie wrote:How weird, GMP were only warning of the dangers of using helium this week. Never heard of people using hoods with it though. They just suck it straight out of the canister.

Its use is very widespread by young people at festivals.

Would Mrs Leylands death certificate have even been released yet??

@ littlepixie I think 'Yes'.

Even if an inquest may be highly controversial and the verdict in doubt, death certificates are normally released within days, or as soon as practicable after a death.

The cause of death can usually be established by the cerrtifying doctor. In this case it is probably something short and simple, like 'Helium Poisoning'.

Such a cause of death does not of course fully rule out the possibility of her being poisoned by someone else.

To give a parallel illustration from the Lee Balkwell case: the death certificate in his case was issued soon after the death and the cause given as 'Multiple Injuries'. The actual inquest, however, was 5.5 years later - and whether these multiple injuries were accidental or deliberate remains in bitter dispute.

In fact, if there is in existence a death certificate on Brenda Leyland, I'm surprised we've not known about it until now.

The one thing that stands out to me so far about the Coroner's conduct is her wilful refusal (so far as I am aware) to call an inquest jury.

Given that a divorced and probably troubled woman has palpably been hounded to death by the actions of arguably the world's most powerful news group, viz., Rupert Murdoch's News International empire, I find it amazing that she intends to deliver the verdict herself - and has not put it out for a jury to decide.

by whatsupdoc 28.02.15 13:41

What a disgraceful article. I hope Brenda's relatives sue the papers.
The media don't even know what a troll is....even Prof. Green doesn't know but makes it sound really bad in order to sell papers. Having an opinion doesn't make one a troll.

First impressions, this sounds like another Dr. Kelly...an impossible suicide. I wonder if there were any items in the room to indicate this? I don't think many people would think of helium as a method for suicide.

The tweets Brenda sent did not warrant the OTT approach from Sky and the papers and the resulting death of Brenda...RIP.

by ultimaThule 28.02.15 14:19

For the record: When a post-mortem shows that a death has not occurred from natural causes, Coroners are obliged to open an inquest in order to issue a cremation certificate or burial order so that a funeral can be held.

As in the case of Ms Leyland, the inquest will then be adjourned to be resumed at a later date when the Coroner's investigations are complete.

Where necessary, the Coroner can issue a Certificate of the Fact of Death which the deceased's next of kin can use to notify asset holders and other organisations of the death and to make application for probate.

When the inquest is closed the Coroner will forward the necessary information to the Registrar of Births and Deaths to allow the death to be registered, after which the family can obtain death certificates from the Registrar.

It should be noted that the Coroners & Justice Act 2009 has limited the circumstances in which a Coroner is obliged to call a jury to the following:

* When the deceased has died in custody and a Senior Coroner has reason to suspect the death was a “violent” or “unnatural” one, or the cause of the death is unknown.

* When the deceased's death is caused by a “notifiable accident, poisoning or disease” and should be reported to the Health and Safety Executive. Such “notifiable” accidents include deaths caused by an accident in the workplace or a death in a healthcare setting where a patient has committed suicide or has been killed by another patient.

* If the death occurred in circumstances that continuance of which are prejudicial to the health and safety of the public.
.
While the Act confers a right on a Senior Coroner to summon a jury if s/he feels there is sufficient reason for doing so, it should also be noted that the views of the deceased's family should always be taken into account when the discretion to call a jury is being exercised.

As Ms Leyland's family have kept a dignified silence throughout the proceedings to date, I very much doubt that they would welcome any undue controversy over her death and it's to be hoped that gawpers will stay away on the 25th.

by Christina 28.02.15 15:04

The Coroner's website link for the details listed for Brenda:

http://coroners.leicester.gov.uk/current-inquests/?entryid78=582748&char=L

Says Medical Cause of Death: To be ascertained.

Final Hearing on 20th March at 10 am.

I can't find where they got the helium thing from..

by comperedna 28.02.15 15:12

Rumour and gossip?

by **sharonl** 28.02.15 15:18

We need to look at the circumstances in which Brenda left her home and booked into the hotel. Are we expected to believe that she rushed off to a hotel taking the helium and whatever else would have been needed? Did she have time to think about this before she left? Did she keep Helium in the house? Did she stop to buy it on the way to the hotel? Did the Hotel supply it? None of these scenarios seem credible. I would think that by going to the hotel, she was more likely to be running for cover than looking for a place to commit suicide. Why would anyone leave their home and book into an hotel to commit suicide?

by comperedna 28.02.15 15:21

If I remember correctly... on Sky News... after the confrontation with Brunty and the film crew she said she had a meeting, and got into a friend's car and was driven away. Do others remember that?

by Liz Eagles 28.02.15 15:25

sharonl wrote:We need to look at the circumstances in which Brenda left her home and booked into the hotel. Are we expected to believe that she rushed off to a hotel taking the helium and whatever else would have been needed? Did she have time to think about this before she left? Did she keep Helium in the house? Did she stop to buy it on the way to the hotel? Did the Hotel supply it? None of these scenarios seem credible. I would think that by going to the hotel, she was more likely to be running for cover than looking for a place to commit suicide. Why would anyone leave their home and book into an hotel to commit suicide?

I can think of a few reasons why someone would check into an hotel to commit suicide.

Firstly, to be found rather quickly so the person doesn't either remain in their home to rot and be eaten by maggots or scare friends who may find them.

Secondly, to leave a house and paperwork that is in order for their relatives/friends.

Thirdly, to be found very quickly and to have their pets taken care of quickly/within hours.

by **sharonl** 28.02.15 15:33

comperedna wrote:If I remember correctly... on Sky News... after the confrontation with Brunty and the film crew she said she had a meeting, and got into a friend's car and was driven away. Do others remember that?

That's interesting.

Do we know who this "friend" is and how long Brenda has known him\her?

We have had friends amongst us who have turned out to be McCann supporters in disguise. Surely, this "friend" was the last person to see her alive. And, if she were going to a meeting, then she is unlikely to have been in a state of mind that would lead to her imminently taking her own life.

by Liz Eagles 28.02.15 15:38

sharonl wrote:
comperedna wrote:If I remember correctly... on Sky News... after the confrontation with Brunty and the film crew she said she had a meeting, and got into a friend's car and was driven away. Do others remember that?

That's interesting.

Do we know who this "friend" is and how long Brenda has known him\her?

We have had friends amongst us who have turned out to be McCann supporters in disguise. Surely, this "friend" was the last person to see her alive. And, if she were going to a meeting, then she is unlikely to have been in a state of mind that would lead to her imminently taking her own life.

From what I recall, Brenda Leyland said she was going out with a friend.

I simply can't believe that a weird method of suicide such as helium is a likely thing for a 63 year old woman to research/even consider.

by ultimaThule 28.02.15 16:04

Suicide by helium overdose is a method advocated by online and other right to die groups as the materials needed are readily available and death can occur in less than 5 minutes.

As far as I recall, there was a period of some 48 hours between the time Ms Leyland was doorstepped by Brunt and she was found dead.

by j.rob 28.02.15 16:07

whatsupdoc wrote:What a disgraceful article. I hope Brenda's relatives sue the papers.
The media don't even know what a troll is....even Prof. Green doesn't know but makes it sound really bad in order to sell papers. Having an opinion doesn't make one a troll.

First impressions, this sounds like another Dr. Kelly...an impossible suicide. I wonder if there were any items in the room to indicate this? I don't think many people would think of helium as a method for suicide.

The tweets Brenda sent did not warrant the OTT approach from Sky and the papers and the resulting death of Brenda...RIP.

I agree. Didn't Brenda tweet not long before her death that she might mysteriously disappear, or words to that effect?

by Dr What 28.02.15 16:08

We will have to wait and see whether this information is accurate or not.

I do not know what sort of hotel Brenda stayed at, but if there is any suggestion that third parties were involved in her death, I would have thought that the hotels' CCTV security film would give an indication who visited the hotel, even if they did manage to avoid talking to any hotel staff there.Most hotels have a camera system installed.

by Doug D 28.02.15 16:11

Sharonl,

I believe after Brunt first confronted her she got into the car with a friend and drove off.

Some time later, may not even have been the same day, she returned and invited Brunt into her house for a chat, so the ‘friend’ was not the last known person to see her alive, that we are aware of.

by lj 28.02.15 16:11

ultimaThule wrote:Suicide by helium overdose is a method advocated by online and other right to die groups as the materials needed are readily available and death can occur in less than 5 minutes.

As far as I recall, there was a period of some 48 hours between the time Ms Leyland was doorstepped by Brunt and she was found dead.

You beat me to it UT. It is a common way of euthanasia without doctors help.

Also suicide in a hotel is quite common, mainly for the reasons Aquila already gave. When my daughter worked in a hotel as a student she was trained to look for signs. Very scary for a girl that young.

by **sharonl** 28.02.15 16:18

Dr What wrote:We will have to wait and see whether this information is accurate or not.

I do not know what sort of hotel Brenda stayed at, but if there is any suggestion that third parties were involved in her death, I would have thought that the hotels' CCTV security film would give an indication who visited the hotel, even if they did manage to avoid talking to any hotel staff there.Most hotels have a camera system installed.

Lets just hope that its not the Rothley Court hotel where the Freemasons meet every Wednesday

by Liz Eagles 28.02.15 16:26

ultimaThule wrote:Suicide by helium overdose is a method advocated by online and other right to die groups as the materials needed are readily available and death can occur in less than 5 minutes.

As far as I recall, there was a period of some 48 hours between the time Ms Leyland was doorstepped by Brunt and she was found dead.

I'd never heard of this method of suicide until today. I thought a bottle of vodka and a handful of sleeping pills/paracetomol would do the job.

I'm bewildered. I'm especially bewildered that a female would ever wish to place a bag over their head in a suicide bid.

by Google.Gaspar.Statements 28.02.15 16:42

aquila wrote:
ultimaThule wrote:Suicide by helium overdose is a method advocated by online and other right to die groups as the materials needed are readily available and death can occur in less than 5 minutes.

As far as I recall, there was a period of some 48 hours between the time Ms Leyland was doorstepped by Brunt and she was found dead.
I'd never heard of this method of suicide until today. I thought a bottle of vodka and a handful of sleeping pills/paracetomol would do the job.

I'm bewildered. I'm especially bewildered that a female would ever wish to place a bag over their head in a suicide bid.

Why especially a female aquila?

I also hadn't heard of this method before and can't imagine putting a plastic bag over my head.

by Liz Eagles 28.02.15 16:49

Google.Gaspar.Statements wrote:
aquila wrote:
ultimaThule wrote:Suicide by helium overdose is a method advocated by online and other right to die groups as the materials needed are readily available and death can occur in less than 5 minutes.

As far as I recall, there was a period of some 48 hours between the time Ms Leyland was doorstepped by Brunt and she was found dead.
I'd never heard of this method of suicide until today. I thought a bottle of vodka and a handful of sleeping pills/paracetomol would do the job.

I'm bewildered. I'm especially bewildered that a female would ever wish to place a bag over their head in a suicide bid.

Why especially a female aquila?

I also hadn't heard of this method before and can't imagine putting a plastic bag over my head.

Why especially a female?

It's because a female probably doesn't wish to deface themselves or cause shock to people/loved ones who find them/have to bury them. Females are a bit vain. Look up the difference in gender suicide.

I understand what you're saying ggs. I'm probably not explaining myself very well.

by Google.Gaspar.Statements 28.02.15 17:08

Thank you for the explanation aquila. That makes sense.

by ultimaThule 28.02.15 17:32

lj wrote:
ultimaThule wrote:Suicide by helium overdose is a method advocated by online and other right to die groups as the materials needed are readily available and death can occur in less than 5 minutes.

As far as I recall, there was a period of some 48 hours between the time Ms Leyland was doorstepped by Brunt and she was found dead.

You beat me to it UT. It is a common way of euthanasia without doctors help.

Also suicide in a hotel is quite common, mainly for the reasons Aquila already gave. When my daughter worked in a hotel as a student she was trained to look for signs. Very scary for a girl that young.

Discovering dead bodies is not something one immediately associates with working in a hotel but, as you say lj, it's not an uncommon occurrence which can be extremely upsetting for staff.

In cases where the delivery apparatus and plastic bag are removed before the death scene is examined and no other information is available implicating helium overdose, suicide by asphyxiation due to helium inhalation may remain undetected as autopsy findings can be typically nonspecific and toxicological analysis requires special sampling and assay methods.

Instructional videos depicting the method are accessible on the internet.

by String 28.02.15 19:11

"Brenda Leyland, 63, was found dead at a Marriott hotel on Saturday around 15 miles from her immaculately kept village home."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2781377/BREAKING-NEWS-Internet-troll-targeted-McCanns-dead-hotel-room-days-fleeing-home.html#ixzz3T4JC4NT4
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/emalm-leicester-marriott-hotel/

by lj 28.02.15 19:32

ultimaThule wrote:
lj wrote:
ultimaThule wrote:Suicide by helium overdose is a method advocated by online and other right to die groups as the materials needed are readily available and death can occur in less than 5 minutes.

As far as I recall, there was a period of some 48 hours between the time Ms Leyland was doorstepped by Brunt and she was found dead.

You beat me to it UT. It is a common way of euthanasia without doctors help.

Also suicide in a hotel is quite common, mainly for the reasons Aquila already gave. When my daughter worked in a hotel as a student she was trained to look for signs. Very scary for a girl that young.

Discovering dead bodies is not something one immediately associates with working in a hotel but, as you say lj, it's not an uncommon occurrence which can be extremely upsetting for staff.

In cases where the delivery apparatus and plastic bag are removed before the death scene is examined and no other information is available implicating helium overdose, suicide by asphyxiation due to helium inhalation may remain undetected as autopsy findings can be typically nonspecific and toxicological analysis requires special sampling and assay methods.

Instructional videos depicting the method are accessible on the internet.

Also available are masks special made for this goal.

Not directed at you UT: Don't forget there are still many places in the world where an earlier, but peaceful, death is thought to be "killing" and desperate people look for sometimes horrific ways to end their lives. From all methods this is one of the more reliable ones and not too horrific. Pills are unreliable, especially in combination with alcohol which will make a lot of people vomit.

I don't see why a killer would choose for this method.

Having said that, even in case of a suicide, in my opinion the people who drove her to that are guilty of murder.