Luke’s loss is a lesson for all of us

THE tragic death of a boy with the world at his feet is a reminder of the dangers of steroids.

Sports-mad Luke O’brien-may died after his brain swelled – most likely due to Stanozolol.

His heartbroken dad Denis told his son’s inquest yesterday of finding an empty packet in his bedroom, while doctors worked around the clock to save him.

Luke was skilled in rugby, football, hurling and basketball. We can only presume the Leaving Cert student felt the drugs would boost his performance.

Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn has urged the public to recognise the “significant health risks” associated with taking these pills – which are often obtained illegally.

This tragedy raises the question of the pressure players are under to achieve more than their bodies are capable of naturally.

We often hear of the dire impact a lack of exercise is having on the youth of today.

But have we reached a point where sport, in cases, is testing the mental and physical health of young people?

The coroner’s frank and honest account of how steroids can destroy a life is an eye-opener.

Regulating the use of banned substances is next to impossible when everything is at our fingertips online.

Highlighting the dangers is perhaps the best way to tackle this crisis.