Girl of 15 dies ‘after taking ecstasy’
A GIRL of 15 who died after supposedly taking ecstasy was described as a ‘beautiful angel’ by her family last night.
Shakira Pellow collapsed on Friday night and died the next morning after allegedly taking a pill bearing the logo of the toy brand Duplo.
Three other 15-year-olds who had been with her were taken to hospital at the same time.
One girl who had been in a serious condition was said to have improved last night, while a boy and a third girl responded well to treatment following the incident in Cornwall.
Two boys aged 17 have been arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.
The tragedy follows the death last month of Hannah Bragg, 15, in Tavistock, Devon, after taking ecstasy at a party celebrating the end of exams, as fears mount about the growth of ‘county lines’ networks in which urban drug dealers branch out into rural areas.
Miss Pellow, from Camborne, is thought to have been out with friends in a local park before she became seriously ill.
Ecstasy can give a feeling of euphoria, but even pure supplies may be dangerously powerful and cause overheating or lead to an overdose. Experts say pills supplied by dealers may also contain poisons, heroin, or other potentially lethal substances.
In a tribute on social media yesterday, Miss Pellow’s sister Nikita Rundle said: ‘Such a young soul, I have so much love for you my baby sister!
‘You will always hold a strong place in my heart forever and always. You were too young to be taken away from this world so soon, you had a long and happy life ahead of you! RIP my beautiful angel.’
Miss Pellow’s mother, Rita Hole, said: ‘Baby, mummy and your sisters love you so much.
‘Speak to your kids about drugs’
Please come home my baby.’ Another relation, Jenna Pellow, added: ‘Sleep tight beautiful girl. A life taken far too soon.’
Friend Lee Butcher said: ‘You touched my heart and soul. Love you so much.’
Claire Harding Watts said: ‘So sad... our best friends in Cornwall... their little sister – speak to your kids about drugs, this can happen to any family.’
Paramedics were called after Miss Pellow collapsed in Camborne on Friday at 10.40pm, and she was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro with the three other 15-year-olds.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: ‘All four teenagers are believed to have taken the same unknown substance, which police have seized and will be subject to further examination.’
Detective Superintendent Roy Linden added: ‘This is a truly tragic incident in which a young girl has lost her life.
‘We want to warn children and young people of the dangers surrounding taking drugs. This is a tragic incident, and we do not wish anyone in our community to go through the same ordeal.’
The 17-year-olds arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs are from Redruth and Camborne.
A local drug worker said Miss Pellow had swallowed a triangular blue tablet with the logo of Duplo – a version of Lego for toddlers – embossed on it.
Ecstasy can cause a number of other adverse symptoms, including fits and severe irritability.
Locals said that the area where the children were found was known to have a drugs problem.