Student dies after falling into the Thames whilst high on ketamine, inquest confirms

A student has died after falling into the Thames whilst high on ketamine, an inquest has heard.

Joshua James David Forsdyke, 19, was a student at the University of the Arts, London (UAL) when he died in August 2024.

An inquest into his death found that he had been introduced to the drug when he was in halls the previous year, and he continued to take it once he’d moved out.

It was revealed that Joshua took ketamine after having an argument with his girlfriend. He then later fell into the Thames near London Bridge.

According to The Standard, his body was recovered on 31st August, near Butler’s Wharf, with toxicology tests showing he had taken a significant amount of alcohol, tramadol, and ketamine, shortly before his death.

Joshua, from Norton, near Stockton-on-Tees has been described as “dearly loved” and will “always remembered by all who knew and loved him”.

The coroner overseeing the inquest into Joshua’s death has issued a warning in a prevention of future deaths (PFD) report, about the availability of ketamine.

In it, the coroner said: “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.”

The report also requires Fresh Student Living, the accommodation company, and UAL to respond by 6th March, outlining the action they will take to prevent further student drugs deaths.

A UAL spokesperson told The Tab: “The UAL community is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Josh and our thoughts are with his family and friends. We take the coroner’s report very seriously and are working with our accommodation partners to respond fully to the findings.

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“We adopt a proactive approach to drug awareness by providing comprehensive training for all UAL staff in our halls of residence and for our accommodation partners. While we uphold a zero-tolerance policy toward drugs and enforce stringent measures to address any breaches, the issue of illegal substances within university settings is a nationwide challenge.

“We are committed to continuously reviewing and enhancing our approach to drug awareness, prevention, and support. Our primary focus remains the safety, health, and wellbeing of our students, ensuring they have access to the resources and guidance needed to thrive within a safe and supportive community.”

Fresh Student Living has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.

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