Coroner Links Law Student’s Death to Tirzepatide Weight Loss Drug

The death of 19-year-old California law student Josephine Nasr in her London student accommodation has been linked to the prescription weight-loss drug tirzepatide, according to findings from an East London Coroner’s Court inquest reported by the Daily Mail and The New York Post. Coroner Graeme Irvine determined that Nasr died from a cardiac arrhythmia brought on by an underlying congenital heart condition and a severe electrolyte imbalance, which was triggered by hypoglycemia stemming from nausea and vomiting caused by the medication.

Inquest Findings and Medical Examiner Details

Nasr, a second-year student at the University of East London, was found dead in her room on September 23, 2025, by university staff and a campus nurse after her family requested a welfare check. According to the Daily Mail, an autopsy performed by pathologist Alan Bates revealed that Nasr had a congenital heart condition known as myocardial bridging, which can lead to irregular heart rhythms. Dr. Bates testified at the inquest that the severe nausea and vomiting associated with tirzepatide can cause hypoglycemia, subsequently leading to an electrolyte imbalance and a dangerous arrhythmia. The resulting physical stress then aggravated her heart condition, according to court testimony cited by The New York Post.

Prescription Origin and Timeline of Events

Court records show that Nasr had received a prescription for tirzepatide from a doctor in California, and an empty vial of the medication was discovered by authorities in her dorm room. The New York Post reported that Nasr’s body mass index classified her as overweight rather than obese. On the evening of her death at approximately 8:30 p.m., Nasr spoke by phone with her father, George Nasr, her mother, Lorin Mansour, and her sister, Anastasia Nasr, mentioning that she felt nauseous and had been vomiting. Concerned about potential dehydration, her sister arranged for a private healthcare provider to administer intravenous fluids. After Nasr stopped responding to calls, her sister contacted university security to check on her, where she was pronounced dead at the scene by a London Ambulance Service paramedic.

Manufacturer Guidelines and Drug Classification

Tirzepatide acts on two gut hormone receptors, GIP and glucagon-like peptide-1, and is sold commercially under the brand names Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. According to manufacturer Eli Lilly and Co., the medications are intended to treat serious medical conditions, are not approved for cosmetic weight loss, and are not recommended for patients under 18 years old. U.S. prescribing information for Mounjaro includes explicit warnings regarding severe gastrointestinal reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the death of Josephine Nasr?

According to the East London Coroner’s Court, Nasr died from a cardiac arrhythmia caused by myocardial bridging and an electrolyte imbalance resulting from hypoglycemia, which was tied to prescribed tirzepatide use.

Where was the prescription obtained?

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Nasr received her prescription for tirzepatide from a doctor in California prior to returning to London for her studies.

What are the common side effects of tirzepatide?

According to medical guidance cited during the inquest, common side effects include severe nausea and vomiting, which can lead to complications such as dehydration, hypoglycemia, and electrolyte imbalances in vulnerable patients.