The family of a 16-year-old who died after falling ill at Leeds Festival has paid tribute to the “beautiful, fiercely independent” boy.
David Celino, from Worsley, Manchester, was taken to the festival’s medical tent on Saturday night and died in hospital on Sunday morning.
“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,” his family said in a statement.
“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 is conducting enquiries into the death and officers are supporting David’s family.
On Sunday the force said it had launched an investigation into a suspected drugs-related death.
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Officers were called around 10.16pm on Saturday after the teenager was taken to the event’s medical tent.
He was taken to hospital and died on Sunday morning.
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.”
