The family of a 16-year-old boy who died at Leeds Festival have paid a heartbreaking tribute to their ‘beautiful, fiercely independent’ teen.
David Celino was taken ill at the festival on Saturday evening but tragically passed away in hospital shortly afterwards.
An investigation into his death is ongoing, but one line of enquiry suggests he had taken a type of ecstasy (MDMA) in a black or grey oblong shape.
David was from Worsley in Greater Manchester and had just celebrated ‘fabulous GCSE results’, The Manc reports.
His ‘broken’ family said he considered Leeds Festival to be the highlight of his summer.
In a statement released through the police, they said: “Our David was a beautiful, fiercely independent and warm character who lived every day at 110% and who loved to spend time enjoying music with his friends.
“He had just received fabulous GCSE results, got into college, and had hoped to study computer science at a top university.
“Leeds Festival was the highlight of his summer; ultimately it was to take his life in the most unfair, cruel and horrible way, and we are broken.”
His family, who have requested privacy, are being supported by the force and police enquiries are ongoing.
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Officers were first called at about 10.16pm on Saturday 27 August to reports that a 16-year-old male had been taken to the medical tent.
Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the boy who has died, and we have officers supporting them at this very difficult time.
“While the exact cause of his death is yet to be established, one line of enquiry is that he had taken a particular type of ecstasy (MDMA) tablet, which was described as a grey or black oblong shape.
“At this moment in time this is believed to be an isolated incident as we have not received any similar reports.
“Users of any drug which is not professionally prescribed can never be sure of their contents and the risks involved with taking the substance.
“Anyone who does feel ill after taking any substance should seek urgent medical attention.
“We are continuing to conduct enquiries on site and are liaising closely with the event organisers.”
Anyone who believes they can assist the investigation can either contact police or security on site, call on 101, or use the LiveChat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.
Featured image: Official Reading and Leeds Festival / WYP
