AN INQUEST at Pontypridd coroner’s court has shed new light on the fatal events that led to the death of 25‑year‑old Lewis Rhys Thomas Petryzyn at HMP Parc Prison on April 15, 2022. The court heard how the young inmate, who struggled with sleep due to a lack of proper medication, turned to the psychoactive substance known as spice, setting off a chain of events that ended in tragedy.

A struggle for relief

According to evidence given at the inquest, Mr Petryzyn had long battled sleep issues while in custody, a condition exacerbated by the unavailability of his necessary medication. Desperate for relief, he succumbed to the temptation of spice, a drug reportedly circulating in the prison and widely known among inmates. His cellmate, Adam Mathias, described how on the day of his death, the two shared the substance—a decision that would prove fatal.

Witness accounts paint a grim picture

Cellmate Mr Mathias, who characterized himself as Petryzyn’s “pad mate,” recounted the events of that fateful day. He noted that after smoking, Mr Petryzyn’s initially appeared to be in good spirits, even laughing off concerns about the substance. However, shortly after, he began to show signs of distress. “I was on the phone when I noticed he wasn’t moving. I helped him to his bed, but within minutes, I realized something was terribly wrong,” Mr Mathias recalled. Despite the rapid response from prison staff and paramedics, who administered life-saving treatment around 2:30pm, Mr Petryzyn was pronounced dead at 4:03pm.

Mathias also revealed that there had been recent warnings about a “bad batch” of spice circulating on the wing—a fact that underscores the dangerous environment within the facility. “It’s hard being locked up all day when you’re constantly being tempted by the presence of these drugs. Even though I was trying to keep him away from it, he told me he’d slipped up again,” he explained.

A life remembered

Beyond the tragic circumstances of his death, Mr Petryzyn was remembered by family and friends as a caring and vibrant individual. His mother, Karen Thomas, described him as “very caring” and a “mammy’s boy” with a magnetic personality. A former pupil of Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, he was celebrated for his generosity and willingness to help others. His love for travel was well known—having journeyed to destinations such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, and Ibiza—and he had even spent a season working in Majorca.

A passionate football supporter, Mr Petryzyn was a season ticket holder for Swansea City and a devoted fan of Liverpool. His ambitions extended beyond his time in prison; he had plans to pursue a career as a barber and dreamed of visiting Iceland with his family upon release.

A system under scrutiny

The inquest, held before a jury set to continue until April 11, has raised broader questions about the availability of essential healthcare within prisons. Critics argue that the lack of proper medication can push vulnerable inmates toward dangerous alternatives, creating a perilous cycle that puts lives at risk. Mr Petryzyn’s case is now being examined as a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic healthcare failings in correctional facilities.

As the investigation continues, family members and advocates alike are calling for urgent reforms to ensure that no one is forced into making desperate decisions due to inadequate medical support. In the wake of this tragic loss, many in the community are left mourning the life of a young man whose potential was cut tragically short.

Looking ahead

The ongoing inquest aims to uncover further details and hold those responsible for prisoner welfare accountable. For the loved ones of Lewis Rhys Thomas Petryzyn, the hope is that his story will lead to meaningful changes in the prison system, preventing future tragedies born out of neglect and the unregulated circulation of harmful substances.