Law student, 18, dies after taking ‘party drug’ ketamine at university
Family pays tribute to ‘positive energy’ of young woman who collapsed on campus last Saturday
A TEENAGE girl who was full of “dreams and aspirations” has died after taking ketamine at university, amid concern that it is becoming the party drug of choice for students.
Megan Pollitt, an 18-year-old law student with a “beautiful bright smile”, moved 140 miles to start her new life at Cardiff University.
She collapsed at her university halls of residence on Saturday and died in hospital four days later.
Following her death, South Wales Police said they had charged a 23-yearold man with drug offences.
Lanoi Liddell appeared at Cardiff magistrates’ court on Wednesday where he was remanded in custody.
Detectives are also i nvestigating whether her death is linked to that of a 25 year-old man who died on Sunday.
Last year, Public Health England voiced concerns that young people were using the drug, normally used as an anaesthetic, with experts warning that many young people would be unaware of the health risks such as damage to the bladder, and that it was quickly becoming the third most popular party drug after ecstasy and cocaine.
Home Office figures showed that in 2018, although drug seizures by police had fallen, the number of confiscations of ketamine had risen by 30 per cent.
The Government’s crime survey of England and Wales found that the proportion of 16 to 24-year-olds using the drug had risen to 3.1 per cent in the same year, the highest since records of ketamine use began.
Ms Pollitt ’s family from Rugby, Warks, paid tribute to her, saying: “Meg dedicated her time to everyone around her and was always there for others.
“She had recently started studying law in Cardiff and was full of dreams and aspirations.
“Having moved away, Meg still enjoyed close contact with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter through visits and calls.
“We will miss her beautiful bright smile and positive energy that would lift the spirits of anyone. Meg loved the outdoor space, particularly hiking with her dad and her dog.”
She had recently climbed Snowdon and reached the summit.
“Meg also loved reading the classics, watching anime and listening to music as well as supporting the Wasps rugby team. Meg will be missed and forever loved by her mum and dad, sister, grandparents and friends,” her family added.
Bristol University students have been warned that a potentially dangerous batch of ketamine may be in circulation.
The loss of Ms Pollitt follows the deaths of four young people in Newcastle upon Tyne where ketamine and MDMA were suspected to have been involved.