Kenneth Eugene Smith, the death row inmate convicted of the 1988 murder of Elizabeth Sennett, spent his last hours before execution grappling with a controversial new method at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama. Smith, aged 58, faced the death chamber for the second time on January 25, having survived a previous attempt in 2022 when a lethal injection failed due to difficulties in finding a vein.

This time, Smith became the first human to undergo death by nitrogen hypoxia, a method criticised by some as ‘inhumane.’ Executioners placed a mask over Smith’s face, administering pure nitrogen to deprive him of the oxygen needed for survival.

Pastor John Ewell, who worked closely with Smith, shared insights into the inmate’s final hours with the Daily Mail. Ewell revealed that Smith, described by some as a ‘guinea pig’ for this untested method, struggled to accept the impending end of his life. “He’s being strong for his family, but it’s rough,” said Ewell, emphasising Smith’s reliance on his faith to cope with the challenging circumstances.

As Smith faced the possibility of execution for the second time and navigated two previous appeals, Ewell expressed Smith’s hope that the execution might be halted again. In his last 48 hours, Smith spent time with Ewell, family members, two friends, and his attorney.

Smith declined breakfast and lunch trays but drank Mountain Dew and Pepsi. His final meal included steak, hash browns, and eggs. From 4 pm on the day of his execution, he was only allowed clear liquids. Smith had a final phone call with his wife, Deanna Smith, before the mask was fitted in the death chamber.

Kenneth Eugene Smith was pronounced dead at 8:25 pm local time, 22 minutes after the administration of nitrogen gas, marking the conclusion of a controversial chapter in his decades-long journey on death row.