A 19-year-old Californian law student, Josephine Nasr, died in her London dormitory last September from a fatal heart rhythm, an inquest has determined, with the drug Tirzepatide, a popular weight loss medication, identified as a contributing factor. Nasr, who was studying at the University of East London, had been prescribed Tirzepatide by a doctor in California, despite not being classified as obese. Her body mass index indicated she was overweight.
Nasr was found dead in her room on September 23, 2025, just over two hours after speaking with her family. During their conversation, she reported experiencing nausea and vomiting. Her sister, concerned about dehydration, attempted to arrange for IV fluids. When Nasr did not respond to calls, university security staff were alerted and, accompanied by a nurse, entered her room to find her unresponsive on the bathroom floor. Emergency services were called, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An empty vial of Tirzepatide was discovered in her room. The inquest heard that side effects of the medication include nausea and vomiting. A post-mortem examination revealed that Nasr had a congenital heart condition called myocardial bridging, which could have predisposed her to a fatal arrhythmia. Pathologist Dr. Alan Bates stated that the vomiting induced by Tirzepatide can lead to a drop in blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, which can cause electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances, potentially exacerbated by her heart condition, can trigger arrhythmias.
Coroner Graeme Irvine delivered a narrative conclusion, stating that Nasr's death was likely caused by a cardiac arrhythmia resulting from myocardial bridging and electrolyte imbalance due to hypoglycemia, which was in turn linked to the prescribed Tirzepatide. Dr. Bates noted that Nasr was otherwise a healthy young woman. The coroner also addressed the university's security protocols, concluding that even if contact had been made earlier, it was unlikely to have altered the outcome. The coroner expressed condolences to the family for their loss.
Nasr, who grew up in Corona, California, was a second-year law student specializing in international law and legal studies. Her family, who were preparing to fly to Egypt when they received the news, have paid tribute to her. Her father described her as being full of joy and always willing to help others, while her mother highlighted her commitment to her family and her faith.