Woman, 39, died plunging into icy river during £200 cold water therapy session at celeb camp used by Coleen Rooney
A WOMAN who died at a celeb therapy camp likely suffered "sudden cardiac death" caused by cold water, an inquest heard.
Kellie Jean Poole, 39, was attending a cold water immersion session with two pals when the horror unfolded.
An inquest heard Kellie went into cardiac arrest after being pulled from the River Goyt in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire.
Tragically she couldn't be saved and was later declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Dr Damian Kelly, a consultant cardiologist, said the cold water, which was 10.7C at the time, could have caused arrhythmia which "incapacitated" her.
When asked if he thought it was more likely than not that cold water could have triggered a cardiac arrest, Dr Kelly added: "Yes, I think that is what has happened.
"It is difficult not to see it as relevant."
Chesterfield Coroner's Court was told Kellie's death was recorded as sudden cardiac death, caused by left ventricular hypertrophy - a thickening of the walls of the lower left heart chamber.
Consultant pathologist Dr Abed Zaitoun said Kellie's heart was heavier than expected and her BMI was recorded as obese, which could have contributed to her death.
The inquest heard Kellie's pal Victoria Fielding had booked the session, which was run by a company named Breatheolution, for April 25 last year.
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The trendy therapy is run by Kevin O'Neill and involves plunging into freezing water.
Celebs such as Coleen Rooney and Stephen Graham have used Kevin's firm Breatheolution in the past.
Corrie star Ryan Thomas' brother Adam has also taken part in the practice.
Ms Fielding said it was a "mild" day but the group were "shivering" before entering the water.
She said she did not recall being asked to sign a waiver form but did complete around 15 minutes of breathing exercises before entering the water.
The friend told the hearing Kellie was "enjoying" the session and "laughing and giggling", but later complained she had a headache.
Kellie was advised to splash cold water on to her face by Mr O'Neill, who also scooped some water over the back of her head, it was said.
Ms Fielding said Kellie then fell forward into the water. Mr O'Neill began CPR.
Videos posted on the company's Instagram show the team lowering people backwards into a stream with their heads pushed underwater.
According to the Breatheolution website, cold water therapy can improve mental health, relieve stress and boost the immune system.
It reads: "The cold water therapy is proving to have a significant effect on clients and although it can be tough including some uncomfortable sensations on the body the benefits are incredible.
"Cold therapy and exposure to cold is now proving to be highly beneficial in so many ways, from sports injuries to even helping severe PTSD or anxiety sufferers step away from prescribed medication, not to mention what the cold delivers to our immune and nervous systems."
Cold water therapy has been made even more popular after it was featured in BBC One show Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof.
The inquest continues.
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