Dad finds young rugby player dead in bed after taking stimulant drug he bought online
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A 28-year-old rugby player died after taking stimulant drugs he bought over the internet, an inquest heard.
Freddie Dibben, who had been taking anabolic steroids, had been going to the gym daily and having protein shakes for a number of years.
But his parents had no idea that he had been ordering drugs online, Winchester Coroners Court in Hampshire heard.
The engineer was found dead in bed by his dad Clifford after taking Clenbuterol, a stimulant drug normally used to treat problems such as asthma and commonly used by bodybuilders.
Freddie's mum described him as an "intelligent lad" and said they want to deter other young men from 'going down this route'.
(Image: Facebook)
Pathologist Dr Victoria Eliot gave Mr Dibben's cause of death as dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood decreases due to an enlarged and weakened valve.
She said: "These drugs have some benefits - in inverted commas - in terms of physique but also have side-effects which can affect the heart."
Coroner Grahame Short said: "Young men in particular are keen to improve their physique and some resort to steroids which is a quick and easy way to put on weight and enhance muscles.
"Prior to his death Freddie was a fit man with no medical conditions. I think this case reflects how dangerous these drugs are."
(Image: www.alamy.com)
He recorded a conclusion of misadventure.
Following the inquest, his mother Lorraine said: "Freddie was an intelligent lad.
"He wasn't stupid but he thought he was in control. We want to inform other young men to make sure they don't go down this route.
"These drugs will damage your heart in such a way that you cannot undo. The risks are just not worth it.
"If we could save one man, it would be worth it."
Freddie, an engineer, played prop for the third XV at Ellingham and Ringwood Rugby Club, Hampshire, for eight years.