The devastating warning from family in 'never-ending torture' after 20-year-old went to club night and didn't come home

A 'kind and thoughtful' 20-year-old tragically died from a cardiac arrest at a club in Manchester, brought on by consuming MDMA, cannabis, and alcohol, an inquest into the death has heard.

Rhys Coull went into a fatal cardiac arrest while on a night out at the club, Hidden, in Cheetham Hill in the early hours of Saturday, June 8. A coroner has now determined that Rhys died from the ‘acute toxic effects of MDMA ecstasy use’.

The university student's devastated family paid tribute to him, saying he had the ‘spirit of an adventurer’ who loved the outdoors. But they joined Manchester coroner Zak Golombek in saying that Rhys’ death is part of ‘raising awareness around the dangers of these drugs’, warning ‘they’re so unpredictable in terms of the effects they can have’.

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Ryhs, from Coedpoeth, near Wrexham, North Wales, was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary after suffering a cardiac arrest during an organised rave at Hidden at DownTex Mill on Mary Street, Cheetham Hill.

"Rhys always was a very kind and thoughtful individual. He was the kind of person who would talk to those that no one else was talking to, recognising that a few moments of unexpected human interaction can make a person’s day," said his family, paying a touching tribute to the beloved young man in the wake of his inquest today. "After his death, many stories of his kindness and thoughtfulness came to light.

"Rhys was a student of Environmental Science at Keele University, and had successfully completed his first year.

"Behind his unique fashion sense was a hidden outdoors man. A keen sports climber, kayaker and open canoeist. He spent many weeks wild camping in Scotland, taking the lead with the camp cooking on an open fire.

"He successfully undertook a four-day expedition with his father canoeing Loch Morar, carrying his canoe and equipment over the mountain pass into Glen Pean, before canoeing Loch Arkaig, an amazing feat and one which his fashion would belie.

"The circumstances to Rhys’ death came as a tragic surprise to his family and friends. It highlights the dangers of even casual illicit drug use. We would like other young people to take note of Rhys’ death so that other families are not put through the never-ending torture of the untimely and preventable death of a child."

Police launched an investigation following Rhys's death in the early hours of Saturday, June 8. In a statement at the time the club, which was hosting a techno night run by promoters Teletech, said it was 'deeply saddened by the tragic loss'.

In a statement at the time Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At around 2.30am this morning (June 8), police were called to reports of an incident on Mary Street in Manchester. A 20-year-old man had become unwell and was transported to hospital. Tragically, despite the best efforts of emergency services, he later passed away.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of death."

A spokesperson for nightclub Hidden said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss that occurred at our venue in the early hours of this morning. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

"Hidden has always been a place for people to come together, enjoy music and culture in a safe space and we are heartbroken by this incident. The safety and well-being of our customers and staff are always our top priority and in light of this tragedy, we have decided to cancel the event on Sunday as a mark of respect and to allow us to evaluate with our team.

"We will continue to assist the police with their inquiries."

Today, September 26, Manchester Coroner’s Court was told how ‘Rhys had been attending an organised rave in Manchester, and was suspected to have taken substances including MDMA, and had been drinking alcohol and using cannabis throughout the day’.

He then went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary ‘where he was sadly pronounced deceased’, continued Mr Golombek.

Toxicology reports revealed that his medical cause of death is the ‘acute toxic effects of MDMA ecstasy use’. The coroner concluded that Rhys died a ‘drug-related death’, as the direct cause of Rhys’ death ‘is the toxic effects of the MDMA’.

Rhys’ family attended the inquest, including his mother, father, brother and grandfather. Rhys’ father, Ashley Coull, thanked all the emergency services for their ‘kindness’ throughout the tragedy. He told the court that his son had the ‘spirit of an adventurer’, with a ‘unique’ personality and his own sense of style.

“As a family, we’ve spent a lot of time in the outdoors, that’s what we will remember. Canoeing and camping in Scotland,” the dad expressed.

The coroner added that this case will ‘raise awareness around the dangers of these drugs, taken when perhaps Rhys was having a great time’. But, he warned, ‘they’re so unpredictable in terms of the effects they can have’.