A TALENTED footballer drowned in a river after “experimenting” with medication to treat a migraine, an inquest has heard.

Tristan O’Keefe, 19, was said to be stumbling and confused just moments before he entered the water and vanished.
Moving tributes have been paid to Tristan O’Keefe after he diedCredit: WNS
 

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Tristan O’Keefe with his mum Gemma LathwellCredit: WNS
 

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The river ‘Afon Lwyd’ on Mill Road in Pontnewynydd near where Tristan O’Keefe was foundCredit: WNS
A post-mortem found Tristan had taken a “significant quantity” of a drug used to treat pain and migraines.

Evidence from Tristan’s phone showed he had searched for the medication on Google and referred to taking a “whole bottle” in a message to a friend.

A coroner said she believed Tristan was “unaware” of the consequence of taking the drug and was “experimenting” when he had overdosed.

The inquest hearing was told Tristan’s grandfather had dropped him at a pub, where CCTV showed him “visibly intoxicated, stumbling and falling to the ground.”

He was later seen walking towards the river and reported missing by his worried family.

His body was tragically found in the river in Pontnewynydd, Pontypool, on June 11 last year — two days after he had been reported missing.

The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion.

Coroner Rose Farmer said: “On the basis of all the evidence I find that Tristan died from the effects of drowning in circumstances where he was profoundly intoxicated from an overdose of [the drug].

“His level of intoxication caused severe impairment of his coordination and awareness as evidenced by his repeated stumbling and fall.

“He was last seen walking towards the river in this impaired state and he was subsequently found submerged there.

“I find that, due to the significant intoxication caused by the ingestion of [the drug], Tristan likely fell into the river and, because of his compromised physical and cognitive state, was unable to extricate himself resulting in his drowning.

“There is no evidence that Tristan consumed the [medication] with any intention to end his life.

“The evidence instead supports that he was experimenting with the drug without appreciating the severe effects it would have upon him.”

The primary medical cause of death was drowning, with intake of the drug listed as a secondary cause.

After his death, Tristan’s football team Pontnewynydd AFC said it would retire their number three shirt in his memory, with a framed jersey placed permanently in their dressing room.

A moving tribute from the club said: “Tristan wasn’t just a talented footballer – he was a bright light in our club, a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him.

“Loved by his teammates, respected by his coaches, and cherished by all at Pontnewynydd AFC, Tristan was an integral part of our unforgettable undefeated league campaign – a journey that led us to promotion to the Gwent Premier League.

“His presence was felt in every game, every training session, and every moment off the pitch.

“As a mark of our deepest respect and in loving memory of Tristan we are retiring the number three shirt – the number he proudly wore for this club.

“His jersey will be framed and placed permanently in our changing rooms – a symbol of the incredible impact he made and a reminder that he will always be with us in spirit and in heart.

“Our entire club is grieving. No words can express the pain we feel or the loss suffered by those closest to Tristan.

“To his family and friends we extend our deepest condolences and our unwavering support during this heartbreaking time.”

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Tristan’s football team Pontnewynydd AFC said it would retire their number three shirt in his memoryCredit: WNS
 

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A coroner said she believed Tristan was ‘unaware’ of the consequence of taking the drug and was ‘experimenting’ when he had overdosedCredit: WNS