A tragic inquest has detailed the events leading to the death of a 19-year-old university student after she took MDMA at a Halloween-themed rave in Liverpool. Olivia Wojciechowska, a second-year business student at Liverpool John Moores University, attended the party at Blackstone Street Warehouse on November 1, 2025, where she consumed the illicit drug with fatal consequences.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The Liverpool Coroners' Court heard that Olivia had taken a taxi to her friend Scarlett Tonna's home before the event, where she disclosed she had MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, in her possession. The pair arrived at the Vauxhall venue around 4am, and witnesses reported seeing Olivia take the drug approximately one to two hours later.
Medical Emergency and Hospitalisation
At around 10.05pm, Olivia collapsed at the rave. Staff in a welfare tent initially used bags of ice in an attempt to control her temperature before an ambulance was called. She was rushed to the Royal Liverpool Hospital, arriving at 11.45pm, where she was immediately admitted to the emergency department.
Medical staff intubated Olivia and placed her on a ventilator as her condition rapidly deteriorated. Her liver and kidney functions declined severely, necessitating dialysis and medication. By November 3, doctors had approved her for a liver transplant, leading to her transfer to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital two days later.
Fatal Outcome and Organ Donation
Tragically, a CT scan on November 5 confirmed Olivia was unlikely to survive. She passed away on November 7, just two days before the scheduled transplant operation could take place. A post-mortem examination established the cause of death as multi-organ failure, acute liver failure, and drug intoxication.
In a poignant twist, registered organ donor Olivia posthumously donated her lungs and heart, saving the lives of two other individuals. Her funeral was held on December 12 at St Colmcille's Church in East Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Remembering Olivia
Friend Scarlett Tonna described Olivia as hilarious and the life of the party, noting her love for socialising and her active participation in the Liverpool John Moores Cheer Society. Another friend, Niamh Bosher, shared that the cheer society is organising a charity event for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which assisted in bringing Olivia home.
Coroner Helen Rimmer formally recorded the medical cause of death, stating, "I accept the medical cause of death as multi-organ failure, acute liver failure and drug intoxication. She had consumed ecstasy at a rave event in Liverpool on November 1 with fatal consequences."
The case highlights the severe risks associated with recreational drug use, particularly among young adults attending nightlife events. Olivia's story serves as a sobering reminder of the potential deadly outcomes from substance abuse, even in seemingly controlled social settings.
