A MUCH-loved beautician who was celebrating her 24th birthday with friends died after being found unresponsive in a nightclub toilet, an inquest has heard.
Chloe Ferris had been partying with friends at a popular nightclub in Belfast before she was tragically found dead.
Her cause of death was ruled as positional asphyxia alongside the drugs that she had taken, found to be a lethal combination of cocaine, ketamine and alcohol.
The inquest into Chloe‘s heartbreaking death was heard at Belfast’s Laganside Court on Wednesday, almost a year to the day she died.
The night began with Chloe and her friends drinking at her house before catching a lift into Belfast city centre where, in an “out-of-character” move, they purchased cocaine.
Chloe and her friends partied at a bar before heading to Lux – a nightclub on Dunbar Street – around 1am Sunday, December 1.
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CCTV from Lux showed Chloe and one of her friends locking themselves inside a toilet cubicle around 1.17am.
Staff became concerned when they realised no-one had exited for 30 minutes and climbed on each other’s shoulders to peer over the door and saw Chloe and her friend unconscious.
Emergency services were called and they used a reciprocal saw to remove the thick door from the cubicle to reach the girls.
Tragically, paramedics couldn’t find a pulse for Chloe and she was pronounced dead.
At the inquest, Coroner Joe McCrisken said he thought the cocaine Chloe had purchased had been mixed with ketamine without her knowledge.
Coroner McCrisken said that he agreed with a previous statement made to the media by Chloe’s father Declan who said that taking drugs was like “playing Russian roulette” with your life.
He also issued a stark warning to people that “tonight and in the coming weeks” there will be many other people taking similar risks as Chloe did and they need to be aware of the chances they are taking with their lives.
Remembering Chloe
Chloe, who was a beautician, has been remembered as the “beloved daughter” of Declan and Sharon, the “much-loved sister” of Christopher, Declan and Barry, a “much-loved” aunt, niece, cousin, part of the “sister squad” and a “friend to many”.
An obituary online added: “Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on her soul.
“Deeply regretted by her heartbroken mother, father and entire family circle.”
Hundreds of people expressed shock and sadness on social media and paid tribute to Chloe.
One mourner said: “Chloe was such a beautiful soul, and her light touched everyone who knew her.
“I can’t begin to imagine the pain you’re feeling, but please know that my heart is with you during this incredibly difficult time.
“She will always be remembered for her kindness, her warmth, and the joy she brought into the world.
“My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and all her friends as you navigate this unimaginable sorrow.”
Another told how she was “such a beautiful girl, inside and out”, whilst a third mourner added: “You really were the most gorgeous and talented girl!”