Drugs and alcohol impaired King's student's judgement – Coroner

A mixture of drugs and alcohol impaired a Kings College boys judgement after he was told he was at risk of being expelled, a coroner has found.

David Gaynor, 17, died after falling from a motorway overbridge at Greenlane in Auckland on June 11 last year.

Chief Coroner Neil MacLean said toxicology reports showed David was well over the drink driving limit and had taken the Class C "party drug" 4-MEC and possibly also cannabis.

After drinking at two pre-ball events, David was admitted to the ball but was later taken to a "time out" room after a security guard saw him in the female toilets.

He was not known to have any mental health or anxiety issues.

David and his father Brian Gaynor, who was called to collect him, were told disciplinary action would be taken at the school.

Mr Gaynor said he was "upset and angry" during the trip home and that the situation was a major disappointment to him, the report said.

David expressed thoughts about death, getting expelled and that he was going to jump off a bridge in subsequent texts to friends.

Mr Gaynor said his own research suggested 4-MEC shouldn't be mixed with alcohol, and that it could lead to anxiety, paranoia and depression.

Mr MacLean said there was limited evidence of how much David took of the drug, and when, and that his perception about possible expulsion contributed to his state of mind.

Read the original post:
Drugs and alcohol impaired King's student's judgement - Coroner