Coroner Links Actor Richard Norton's Death to Unapproved Peptide Injection
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An Australian coroner has found that Richard Norton, the actor and martial artist known for fighting on screen opposite Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan, died after an injection of unapproved peptides. The coroner recommended that Australia's drug regulator consider tougher limits on the products.
Norton was 75 when he died on March 30, 2025. According to NBC News, Melbourne coroner David Ryan concluded that the death was "triggered by his injection" of the peptides, and that Norton had been taking more than his doctor prescribed.
What the coroner found
USA Today reported that the findings are dated Oct. 28 and that Ryan concluded an injection of CJC1295/ipamorelin caused anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, which led to cardiac arrest. The report also named asthma and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease, as contributing factors. Norton died at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital, according to USA Today.
The two outlets describe the cause differently. NBC characterized it as a heart attack, while USA Today described an allergic reaction that ended in cardiac arrest. Both attribute the trigger to the peptide injection.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the case appears to be the first confirmed death in Australia linked to unapproved peptides, according to NBC.
How the events unfolded
NBC reported that Norton, who was recovering from shoulder surgery, saw Dr. Jerzy Muchnicki on March 11, 2025. He complained of fatigue and pain and said he was interested in peptide therapy. USA Today added that he also cited muscle loss.
The report says the doctor reviewed his history and discussed the experimental nature of the treatment and its risks. Norton signed a consent form, which, according to USA Today, listed anaphylaxis among the possible risks.
On March 25, Norton told the doctor he felt good and that his symptoms were improving, NBC reported. On March 28, he told a nurse he had been injecting twice the prescribed dose, according to both outlets. NBC reported that in the same period he asked for a replacement after saying he had dropped and broken a vial. The nurse told him to return to the prescribed dose the following week.
That evening, after another injection, Norton felt hot and flushed and then collapsed, according to the report. His wife, Judy Green, began CPR, and paramedics took him to the hospital, USA Today reported.
Criticism of the doctor
NBC reported that the coroner faulted Muchnicki for approving the replacement vial without checking the nurse's record, which noted that Norton had reported dosing the medication incorrectly. The doctor was also criticized for not speaking with Norton directly to confirm he was using the drug properly or to look for signs of misuse or side effects.
According to the report, Muchnicki accepted accountability, apologized for errors in judgment and will no longer prescribe peptides. NBC said it had emailed his practice for comment and had not received a response.
Why it matters: peptides, regulators and consumers
Peptides are small proteins that online influencers and others have promoted for faster healing, younger-looking skin, better sleep and longer life, NBC reported. The coroner's account shows the treatment was described to Norton as experimental, that a serious reaction was listed as a risk, and that his use went beyond the prescribed amount before he collapsed.
Ryan recommended that the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia's counterpart to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, review the peptides' potential benefits and risks. USA Today reported that he suggested considering tighter restrictions, including limiting their use to clinical trials or other experimental settings.
The U.S. context
NBC noted that some peptides are used in FDA-approved U.S. medications for diabetes, obesity and other conditions. It also described a "grey market" of unapproved peptide products promoted by influencers.
The findings come as U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moves to broaden access to certain unapproved peptides, USA Today reported. NBC said the Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday allowed compounding pharmacies to begin producing six peptides: BPC-157, epitalon, KPV, MOTS-c, semax and TB-500. According to NBC, FDA scientists have concluded there is insufficient data to show these particular peptides are safe and effective. The coroner's report did not concern those six products.
Who Richard Norton was
ABC reported that Norton contributed to more than 80 films across acting, stunt work and fight choreography, according to USA Today. He appeared opposite Norris in 1980's "The Octagon," worked as a fight coordinator on "Walker, Texas Ranger," and played the Prime Imperator in 2015's "Mad Max: Fury Road." NBC reported that he also trained actors including Ben Affleck, Tom Hardy, Scarlett Johansson and Margot Robbie, and worked as a bodyguard for rock stars such as David Bowie and Stevie Nicks.
After his death, Green wrote on his Instagram account that she was numb and devastated. Norris, who died on March 19, 2026, had paid tribute to his longtime friend in a March 30, 2025, Instagram post.
