Tristan O’Keefe, 19, was found dead in a river in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, having gone missing last summer and a post-mortem found he had an anti-depressant drug in his body
A young footballer drowned after falling into a river while under the influence of drugs, an inquest heard.
Tristan O’Keefe, 19, was found dead in a river in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, last summer days after being reported missing.
Gwent Coroner’s Service heard the teenager was captured on CCTV on June 9, 2025, in a “highly intoxicated state” and appeared to be confused and staggering as he walked towards a nearby river.
Tristan was later reported missing by his family and his body was found by his cousin in the river adjacent to Road Mill Road, Pontnewynydd, on June 11.
Area coroner Rose Farmer said a post-mortem examination established Tristan had ingested a “significant quantity of amitriptyline” prior to his death. According to the NHS the drug is an anti-depressant most commonly used to treat pain and prevent migraines.
Following his death Pontnewynydd AFC said they were “devastated” to lose such a “kind and humble” footballer who was a “bright light” at the club. They said he was loved by teammates and coaches and retired his number three shirt as a mark of respect.
The inquest heard Tristan, who was working as a labourer and lived in Griffithstown, Pontypool, visited his grandfather on June 9, 2025. At Tristan’s own request his grandfather drove him to The Royal Oak pub in Pontnewynydd at around 1.15pm. CCTV captured him getting out of the vehicle and he appeared to be “visibly intoxicated, stumbling and falling to the ground.”
After being dropped off Tristan walked in the direction of the nearby river. He was subsequently captured on further CCTV and doorbell footage in a “highly intoxicated state staggering, unsteady, and appearing confused as he continued towards the river”, reported WalesOnline.
The inquest was told that following a missing person appeal a witness came forward to say she had seen Tristan being dropped at the pub, had observed him fall, and said he appeared clearly under the influence of an unknown substance. She said Tristan would not tell her what he had taken.
On June 11, 2025, Tristan’s body was discovered by his cousin in the river adjacent to Road Mill Road, Pontnewynydd. Emergency services attended and paramedics confirmed his death at 9.21am. A post-mortem examination, including toxicological analysis, established Tristan had ingested a significant quantity of amitriptyline prior to death.
Examination of Tristan’s mobile phone by police also identified messages referencing consumption of a “whole bottle” and revealed a screenshot taken at 11.53am hours on the day he went missing of a Google search for “amitriptyline liquid UK”.
Ms Farmer said: “On the basis of all of the evidence I find that Tristan died from the effects of drowning in circumstances where he was profoundly intoxicated from an overdose of amitriptyline.
“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 amitriptyline, 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 amitriptyline 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 coroner recorded a narrative conclusion with the primary medical cause of death drowning and drug (amitriptyline) intake was recorded as a secondary cause.
Ms Farmer expressed her condolences to Tristan’s family. A full tribute from Tristan’s football team Pontnewynydd AFC following his death read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of our own – Tristan O’Keefe.
“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. We will never forget you Tristan. You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC. Forever 19. Forever our number three.”
