Woman dies after 'tobacco tonic'

A Black Country personal assistant died after drinking a tonic meant to cleanse her system while travelling in South America, an inquest heard.

Siobhan Mary James-Moore, from Stourbridge, choked on her own vomit after drinking the tobacco-infused tonic while staying in an eco-village in Calca, Peru, during November 2005. The 39-year-old, who had given up a high-powered job in London to go on the adventure, collapsed after drinking nearly two litres of the tonic on November 18.

After drinking three-quarters of a two-litre bottle, she started to tremble and have convulsions and was dead by the time medical assistance arrived, the court heard.

A post-mortem examination found Miss James-Moore, of Old Ham Lane, Pedmore, died as a result of asphyxiation due to aspiration and water on the brain.

Black Country coroner Mr Robin Balmain recorded a verdict of accidental death.

The inquest was read a series of emails between Miss James-Moore and her mother during which it became apparent that she had experimented with the 'stomach-washing' technique in the weeks leading up to her death.

In one of the emails dated October 29 2005, Miss James-Moore said the tonic "tasted disgusting" and had left her feeling "woozy" and ill for three days.

Her mother had replied expressing serious concerns, telling her to "get out of there as quickly as possible".

But she received another email saying it had nothing to do with drugs and was "different to conventional Western thinking" and was equally as "valid".

During the inquest, her mother read out a moving tribute to the "adventurous" daughter who had travelled the world.

"She was very beautiful, very clever and very adventurous. She lived a very rich life, travelling through many countries and cultures and always trying something new. It was always her dream to go to South America," she added.

Black Country Coroner Mr Robin Balmain described it highlighted the dangers of ingesting any sort of toxin.