Young people have been warned about the dangers of sniffing gas after a 17-year-old Dundalk youth died, apparently from inhaling butane.
The body of Stephen Sherman of Ashbrook Avenue was found on Wednesday night near Ladywell Shrine, close to the Dublin road.
A post-mortem was carried out yesterday morning and, while toxicology examination is needed to confirm the exact cause of death, it is believed it was a result of inhaling gas.
The tragedy has shocked the town and prompted the vice-chairman of the North Eastern Health Board, Mr Declan Breathnach, to appeal to anyone considering or involved in sniffing gas or any solvents to stop.