A coroner is sounding the alarm about the lack of oversight and research into anabolic steroid use among amateur athletes in a recent report into the sudden death of a Montreal man last summer.
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“It seems to me undeniable that the use of performance-enhancing substances is a dangerous practice,” writes Julie-Kim Godin bluntly.
“People accept it without understanding the risks they are exposing themselves to,” she added in an interview with Le Journal.
The coroner released her inquest a few weeks ago into the sudden death of Eric Sam Bridge Holtzman in Montreal at the end of July.
The central role of anabolic steroids in the tragedy also forces them to alert the Quebec government and the Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ) to deal with the phenomenon.
Countereffects
Mr. Holtzman died despite having very developed muscles, being an athlete and working as a personal trainer.
But he also spent a long time dealing with steroids, which were “easily available” on the black market, says Me Julie-Kim Godin.
“A person can have excellent lifestyle habits, but taking this type of substance can completely negate all other efforts being made,” she points out.
I Julie-Kim Godin, Coroner “Courtesy, Archive”
And the 32-year-old man's life took an abrupt turn when he returned from the gym as a passenger in a friend's vehicle. He lost consciousness.
As the car stopped on the side of the road, Mr. Holtzman's friend and first responders tried everything they could to revive him. However, he never managed to save him.
Larger than average
The damage had already been done: Eric Sam Bridge Holtzman suffered from cardiomegaly, making his heart larger than average for a man his size.
The pathologist also noted thickening of the muscles in both chambers of the heart.
“In this case, the autopsy findings […] “confirmed that Mr. Holtzman’s lifestyle and consumption habits were likely to cause permanent and serious harm to his health,” writes Me Godin.
Also note that steroids can harm a person's mental health. Mr. Holtzman was taking flualprazolam, which has a sedative or antidepressant effect.
“Sad ending”
“It's a sad end to the life of a wonderful child,” laments Stephen C. Holtzman, who severed ties with his son about fifteen years ago.
He regrets the inaction of the authorities to prevent such tragedies in recent decades.
“Unlike professional or elite athletes, amateur athletes are not subject to regular anti-doping tests and are less monitored,” argues Mr. Godin, recalling that other Quebecers have died from it in the past.
As there is “not enough research” being done on this issue, the Departments of Health and Social Care and Education should work with the INSPQ so that an in-depth study can take place, the coroner recommends.
Awareness campaigns and tools should also be used.
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