Analysis of coroner’s reports in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between 1999 and 2024 found there were 696 deaths where ketamine was a cause. Some 330 deaths occurred over the first 15 years of the study with 366 taking place over the last five years. While just six deaths occurred in 2014 some 123 deaths are estimated to have occurred last year, highlighting the sharp rise. The analysis, by King’s College London, with the University of Hertfordshire and Manchester Metropolitan University, represents the most detailed assessment to date of ketamine-related deaths in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Dr Caroline Copeland, lead author of the study from KCL, said: “We are seeing more ketamine-related deaths, but these deaths rarely involve ketamine alone.