Joshua Forsdyke

I am:   Melanie Sarah Lee Assistant Coroner Inner North London St Pancras Coroner’s Court Camley Street London N1C 4PP

On 10 September 2024 an investigation was commenced into the death of Joshua James David Forsdyke “Josh” (aged 19). The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 8 January 2025. I made a determination at inquest Joshua took his own life whilst his judgment was impaired due to drugs and alcohol.

Josh moved to London to study in September 2023. He was exposed to easy access to drugs, particularly ketamine, whilst in student halls of  residence. He began buying ketamine and his addiction to illicit drugs  and alcohol appears to have spiralled from there and continued when he moved out of halls. On 26 August he took ketamine and had an  argument with his girlfriend about his drug use. The following day, he  began drinking alcohol in the morning, before taking tramadol tablets  belonging to a third person. He then left the flat and went to London  Bridge, telling his flat mate that he intended to jump. After behaving  bizarrely on the bridge, he jumped into the River Thames. His body was recovered from the Thames near Butlers Wharf on 31 August 2024.  Toxicology tests showed that Josh had consumed a significant level of alcohol, a toxic of tramadol plus ketamine, shortly before his death.

During the course of the inquest, the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances, it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. I heard evidence that Ketamine was easily and openly available to students as it was being dealt from and/or by persons with access to, and moved between, student halls of residence.

In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe that your organisations have the power to take such action.