Talented rugby league player died after taking drugs and partying in Preston city centre

Gabriel Holt pictured during his time at UCLan Pic: GoFundMe

A talented rugby player who played for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) died after taking a fatal amount of ketamine, an inquest heard.

Gabriel Holt died in April after attending a party and then going out in Preston city centre. During the night, he was known to have taken ketamine and drank alcohol, while a pathology investigation also found traces of cocaine.

An inquest at Lancashire Coroners Court heard that the level of ketamine found in Mr Holt’s body was above the typical range and enough to cause fatality. However, his body’s ability to tolerate the Class B drug had been worsened by a history of using anabolic steroids, which had been ongoing for at least six months and had affected his heart.

Richard Taylor, assistant coroner, explained that Mr Holt had gone on a night out on April 6 and while his use of ketamine and alcohol was known to friends, there was nothing about the 21-year-old’s behaviour or actions which prompted any concern.

He returned home to his flat on Oxheys Street, Plungington, and was last seen in the early hours of April 7. Later that day, he failed to show for an appointment and concern spread among friends. He was tragically found dead at his home at around 5pm.

An investigation by Lancashire Constabulary found no evidence to suggest the involvement of anybody else or any motivation of self-harm, while Mr Taylor said Mr Holt did not “intend or expect that outcome” when taking the drugs.

Recording a conclusion of misadventure, he said: “Gabriel Jack Holt died on the 7th of April 2024 at his home having ingested an excess of drugs.”

Born in Atherton, near Wigan, Mr Holt represented the Wales Rugby League student squad had also played for Wigan St Patricks and the University of Central Lancashire.

Speaking earlier this year, Dean of UCLan’s School of Health, Social Work and Sport Bryan Jones, told Blog Preston: “Gabriel will be missed by many of our university community. He was a respectful and confident young man who was loved by his peers and the staff that taught him. He had a huge impact on the Rugby League team at the University of Central Lancashire and had just broken into international student representation.

“He did lots of work for various charities during his time at the University of Central Lancashire with his closest friends. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. We will honour him in some way here at the University so his legacy of positivity and teamwork will endure.”

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