The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Heartbroken mother urges young people not to touch drugs
Leanne Nicolson’s son died after taking capsules containing ecstasy
The heartbroken mum of an Angus teenager who died after taking a party drug has broken her silence.
Leanne Nicolson, 41, said she had decided to speak about her “ongoing nightmare” in the hope it might prevent further tragedies.
Leanne’s son Jack Scorgie died of a heart attack last October after taking two red-and-white capsules containing MDMA, otherwise known as ecstasy, at a party.
Ambulance crews were called to a first-floor property on the corner of Maclagan Road and Barry Road in Carnoustie.
Jack was pronounced dead at the scene. He was only 17.
Friends paid tribute to the youngster at the time and a fundraising page was set up to help pay for his funeral.
Leanne, from Dundee, said Jack’s death was initially treated as “unexplained” by police, but toxicology reports revealed he had ecstasy in his system.
His friends also confirmed to her that he had taken two red and white capsules on the evening of the party on October 15.
Leanne said: “My son took two party drugs and he died as a result.
“This is an ongoing nightmare and if talking about what I’ve gone through prevents another family losing a child to this drug, then it will be worthwhile.
“I can’t stress strongly enough to young people how important it is not to take these drugs.
“They have no idea what they are getting into.
“I’m pretty sure when they take them they don’t think for one minute that they could die.
“Jack would never have believed he could die but he did and I’ve lost my son.”
Leanne said Jack was doing well at college and had a bright future ahead of him.
“He was studying engineering and he had been taking driving lessons – everything was looking great for him,” she said.
“Then it all came to an end that night. “We must educate our young people better about the dangers of drugs.
“I think I’m still in shock and I will never get over this.”
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk