Megan Pollitt: Cardiff student died after ketamine and alcohol

Law student Megan Pollitt had a "beautiful bright smile", said her family

An 18-year-old law student died after consuming a large amount of alcohol and taking ketamine, an inquest has heard.

Megan Pollitt was found collapsed in the bathroom of her flat at the Tal y Bont halls of residence in Cardiff in November 2020.

The student from Rugby, Warwickshire, had stopped breathing and was declared brain dead in hospital.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded by Assistant Coroner Patricia Morgan at an inquest in Cardiff.

Toxicology tests showed Ms Pollitt's blood alcohol level was 169mg per 100ml of blood - the legal limit for driving is 80mg.

• Family pay tribute to 'beautiful bright' daughter

• 'Suggestions' student took ketamine before death

Reaching her conclusion, the assistant coroner said Ms Pollitt had willingly consumed alcohol and ketamine during the evening.

Her parents, Chris and Kelly, said she had recently moved to the flat after expressing concerns about drug use by students in her previous block.

They said there were still many "unanswered questions".

Police were called to the flat in the early hours and spoke with two flatmates who told officers and paramedics that they had tried to resuscitate Megan.

They told officers she had taken what was sold to them as ketamine, but they did not know its purity or where it had come from.

'No further action taken'

Det Con Kirsty Matthews, who led the investigation, told the hearing that although they had been forthcoming with information at the time, she had "formed the opinion there was more to what they knew".

No further action was taken against either student.

"Our thoughts are with Megan's family at this time," said South Wales Police in a statement.

Cardiff University said its thoughts also remained with Megan's family and friends at "this extremely difficult and challenging time".

"Whilst the university is unable to comment on action taken against individual students, the conduct and behaviour expected of our students is contained in our academic regulations handbook," it said.

"Any student found to breaching these regulations may be subject to student disciplinary procedures and in some cases, legal action.

"Anyone with any information relating to the use or sale of drugs should contact the police immediately.

"Any student needing advice or support can contact Student Connect so they can access the advice and support that is available."

'Forever loved'

In a statement following Megan's death, the family said: "Meg dedicated her time to everyone around her and was always there for others. She had recently started studying law in Cardiff and was full of dreams and aspirations.

"Having moved away, Meg still enjoyed close contact with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter through visits and calls."

They said she loved hiking with her father and their dog, and had recently climbed Snowdon.

"Meg also loved reading the classics, watching anime and listening to music as well as supporting the Wasps rugby team," it added.

"Meg will be missed and forever loved by her Mum and Dad, sister, grandparents and friends."