Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Sophie Corcoran

David Celino died at Leeds Festival after 'fabulous' GCSE results as family say, 'we are broken'

The family of a teenager who lost his life at the "highlight of his summer" - Leeds Festival - have paid moving tribute to him.

David Celino, 16, died in the early hours of Sunday morning after being taken to hospital the night before after falling ill. West Yorkshire Police are investigating David's death and said on Sunday it is suspected to be related to drugs, and in particular, a type of MDMA which was being circulated at the festival.

David's family have paid tribute to the "beautiful, fiercely independent and warm character".

Read more: Leeds Festival death: Boss Melvin Benn speaks out as boy, 16, dies

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."

Read next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.