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CNN Doc Shows Rowley’s Tragedy After Novichok Perfume Mishap

7/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The new CNN documentary focuses on Charlie Rowley’s loss after a discarded perfume bottle released the same Novichok nerve agent used in the Salisbury poisoning of spy Sergei Skripal.
Rowley retrieved the bottle from a charity bin and gave it to his girlfriend Dawn Sturgess, who died from accidental exposure.
Rowley suffers balance problems, vision loss and arm use impairment, and says he has given up seeking justice for Sturgess.

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Story summary

The new CNN documentary focuses on Charlie Rowley’s loss after a discarded perfume bottle released the same Novichok nerve agent used in the Salisbury poisoning of spy Sergei Skripal.
Rowley retrieved the bottle from a charity bin and gave it to his girlfriend Dawn Sturgess, who died from accidental exposure.
Rowley suffers balance problems, vision loss and arm use impairment, and says he has given up seeking justice for Sturgess.