A teenager who died in a suspected drugs-related incident at Leeds Festival had just received "fabulous" GCSE results, his family has said. In a statement, they have paid tribute to 16-year-old David Celino, who has been named by police this afternoon.
They said he died at what was the "highlight of his summer" as they said they were "broken". David died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He had been taken to hospital the night before having fallen ill at the festival. West Yorkshire Police, which is investigating, said it was believed to be related to drugs, particularly a type of MDMA that was circulating at the event, reports LeedsLive.
David's family have paid tribute to the "beautiful, fiercely independent and warm character".
A spokesperson for the family 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."
West Yorkshire Police say enquiries into David's death are ongoing and the force is continuing to support his family. On Sunday, 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."
