A popular Australian social media star and family man has died after taking cocaine he didn’t know was cut with powerful opioids.
Dunka Raymond Caldwell was found dead at his Glebe home on August 30. His girlfriend Angel Mounce-Stephens, 43, who was also known as Angela Yazgan, was found dead at her Newtown home hours later.reports The Daily Telegraph.
Mr Caldwell had over 330,000 followers on social media, where he went by the name ‘Humdinger’. He is known for his viral content and is remembered as an influential figure who ‘spread positivity’ in Sydney’s inner city community.
NSW Health last week issued a public health warning about drugs contaminated with heroin after the incident left two more people in hospital.
Australians are the world’s highest per capita cocaine users, with thousands of people queuing outside pub and nightclub toilets every weekend to snort the drug.
Health officials are increasingly concerned about drug users who are unknowingly snorting opioids. Dr. Hester Wilson, a leading specialist in addiction medicine, warns: ‘A heroin overdose can quickly occur from a single line..
‘Heroin and other opioids can be sold as or found in cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy). You can’t always tell the difference between these drugs by their appearance.’
Dunka Raymond Caldwell was found dead in his Glebe home on August 30. He had reportedly consumed cocaine that he did not know was cut with powerful opioids.
Caldwell’s sister, Kirri Fernando, the mother of South Sydney Rabbitohs player Tyrone Munro, also recently passed away under separate circumstances, adding to the tragedy.
“Heartbreaking news… May your souls rest in peace. My condolences to the Caldwell/Fernando families, my thoughts are with you,” said former boxer and rugby league star Anthony Mundine.
Dozens of other tributes to Mr. Caldwell have been shared online.
“Absolutely devastated to hear of your passing. Everyone in our community has a heavy heart today and the world is a much less sunny place without you… Thank you for being the life of the party and supporting me,” wrote family friend Shanell Dargan.
“You were my big brother on TikTok and I will never forget how much extra you always went out of your way for me… Thank you for always being so positive,” wrote influencer Jasmin Mitwali.
‘Can’t believe Humdinger is gone, such a happy man, very positive and loved watching his videos, condolences to family and friends,’ wrote Mick la Varliosis.
Mr Caldwell was influential in Sydney’s inner city, where former boxer and rugby league star Anthony Mundine offered his condolences to his family
NSW Health has advised that people who use street drugs should carry the opioid overdose treatment nalaxone due to the detection of contaminated substances.
“It is important for people to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond. Opioids such as heroin can cause dilated pupils, drowsiness, unconsciousness, slowed breathing/snoring and blue/gray skin and can be life-threatening,” the department said.
“One of the dangers of illegal drug dealing is that the strength and content of the substance you receive is unknown and can be inconsistent.”
Police say they are investigating the incident, but have not yet received official autopsy and toxicology reports.