19-Year Old Student Who Leapt To Her Death From Plane Was Suffering Psychotic Reaction From Anti-Malaria Drug

By Samantha in News On 6th November 2020
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The 19-year old student from Cambridge University who jumped to her death from 5000 feet from a plane over Madagascar had taken an anti-malarial drug with 'virtually undocumented' side effects and suffered a psychotic reaction, a coroner's court was told. 


Alana Cutland who forced open the door of the plane after fighting off the pilot and another passenger who tried to save her life inevitably. 

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Alan who was studying biological natural sciences, from Milton Keynes had fallen ill during her trip to Madagascar so decided to return home to the UK.


She was on the trip researching the rare blue crab before her illness set in.


According to MailOnline, senior coroner Tom Osborne said she 'suffered a psychotic/delirium event that led to her behaviour and death', adding it was 'quite apparent' that the reaction was caused by the drug.

Ruth Johnson tried to stop Alana from jumping/Credit: Shutterstock
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Coroner Tom Osborne has now called for the review of the drug packaging on an urgent basis as it is believed Alana took doxycycline for malarial treatment. 



Mr Osborne told the hearing: "If she or her parents have been aware of this possible side-effect they may have been able to intervene earlier to avoid her death."








Heartbroken parents, Neil and Alison Cutland, prepared a statement in which they said it was 'tragic' that her death was 'caused by the side effects of doxycycline.'






 







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They said: "We realise that such drugs have an important role to play, but it shocked us to discover that such a severe side effect could be virtually undocumented."

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it is now gathering 'further information' on the antibiotic. The MHRA did say that they had reviewed the 'suspected association between doxycycline and psychotic disorder' after the coroner's report and work was 'continuing'.

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According to the Midi-Madagasikara newspaper, Alana was due to stay in Madagascar for six weeks but her trip was cut short to eight days after which her parents rented a small plane to take her from the lodge to the international airport where she was due to fly to Paris and then on to London.


However, only a few minutes within the flight, Alana opened the door and tragically jumped to her death. 

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At the time of her death, Mr and Mrs Cutland issued a statement to the Foreign Office saying: "Our daughter Alana was a bright, independent young woman, who was loved and admired by all those that knew her.

"She was always so kind and supportive to her family and friends, which resulted in her having a very special connection with a wide network of people from all walks of life, who we know will miss her dearly."

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