Oliver Gorman: Inquiry hears 12-year-old died from inhaling butane while ‘chroming’ in his bedroom

One of Australia’s leading medical bodies has issued a warning after a deadly social media trend took the life of a young boy who died after inhaling deodorant in his bedroom.

The sickening practice called ‘chroming’ has been infiltrating the lives of young adults worldwide, and doctors have issued fresh warnings for parents in Australia to be aware of its potential catastrophic results, after 12-year-old Oliver Gorman died in his bedroom in the UK.

Oliver’s mother, Clare Gillespie, found her son unresponsive in their home in Hyde, Tameside in Greater Manchester, on May 5, before he was rushed to hospital after reportedly ingesting butane.

Medical staff tried in vain to revive the boy, but he never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead.

“Inhaling substances, often known as chroming is mostly being done by young people,” said Dr Marguerite Tracy a spokesperson for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners told The Nightly.

“They may have seen this on social media and think it is harmless but here are many potential harms for those who ‘chrome’ which can lead to heart, lung and brain issues, even death.”

Dr Tracy said the problem is well known to the Australian medical community and there are steps in place for education and assistance.

“We would say to all people who have an issue with any substance use including inhaling/chroming that your GP can support you to get the help you need.

“For young people — if someone becomes drowsy, confused, has trouble breathing or you are worried about your friend then call for help immediately,” she added.

Ms Gillespie told the inquest her family had returned from holiday and Oliver had gone to his room for a rest. Less than an hour later, she went to check on him and found him unconscious.

During her efforts to wake him, an empty Lynx deodorant bottle fell from his bed, The Sun reports.

The inquiry heard a number of empty Lynx deodorant cans were found in his room, as well as Aldi’s own-brand aerosols, after the incident.

The South Manchester Coroner’s Court was told a post-mortem concluded Oliver died from butane inhalation.

Chroming has remained a destructive and reckless way for users to grab a cheap ‘high’ for many years, with Australian medical experts warning that a spike in interest via social media from teenagers will likely end in tragedy.

The Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation has outlined the dire consequences of the practice in the strongest of terms.

“Inhalants such as aerosols and volatile solvents have depressant effects. This means they slow down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. In small amounts, they can make you feel relaxed by slowing your breathing and lowering your blood pressure,” the Foundation says via its website.

“Inhalants are among the most harmful and dangerous substances due to their long-term health effects and risk of sudden death when using.

“Each type of inhalant contains unique chemicals, which carry various risks and different toxic effects.

“One thing all inhalants have in common is that they displace oxygen in your lungs, reducing oxygen supply to your body. Long-term reduction in oxygen levels from regular use can lead to organ dysfunction and damage.”

After declaring her son was a “sweet…lovely, family boy” with a “really calming aura about him”, Ms Gillespie claimed the boy was struggling at school and “kind of went into himself”.

She claimed he had told his older brother about some name-calling, but the Denton Community Academy, where Oliver attended, investigated and found no concrete evidence of the allegations the inquiry heard.

Before the family went on their holiday to Wales, they had made the decision that Oliver would no longer attend.

Detective Inspector Ian Parker told the inquest officers had been unable to access the boy’s phone but were able to gather evidence from an Oculus headset.

“My impression was it was words, very harsh words based on physicality, how he looked, that kind of thing” Det. Insp. Parker said.

Mr Parker added Oliver’s death showed there was “nothing to suggest anything untoward”.

“I have been made aware it’s something on TikTok. I believe, for whatever reason, people demonstrate this practice and broadcast it on that format.” Speaking about ‘chroming’, Mr Parker said.

Ms Gillespie said she was unaware of the practice of chroming and that the incident was a total shock.

“I have no idea if he did that to escape. I have no idea, and that hurts me.

“I don’t believe he did it to take his life. I don’t think he had the balls to do that. I think it was something that had gone terribly wrong.

“‘I can’t solely blame a bully, I can’t solely blame TikTok,” she added.

Assistant Coroner Andrew Bridgman recorded a conclusion of misadventure stating there was “no evidence” to suggest Oliver inhaled the aerosol with the intention to take his life.

“Chroming’ comes from TikTok challenges” and is “quite frightening”, Mr Bridgman added, before stating he would be writing a Prevention of Future Deaths report to call for stronger warning labels on deodorant bottles.

Oliver’s family have since launched a campaign called Oliver’s Awareness focusing on the dangers of aerosols, bullying and cyberbullying.

“He had just 20 minutes in his bedroom and he was gone, Ms Gillespie said at the inquiry.

“I didn’t know it could kill you, especially that quickly… Just don’t buy them.”