Parents pay tribute to pair who both died at festival
THE FAMILIES of two young people who died at a festival have paid tribute to them.
Tommy Cowan, 20, and 18-year-old Georgia Jones, both from Havant in Hampshire, died after falling ill at Mutiny Festival in Portsmouth on Saturday night.
Three men were last night in custody after being arrested on suspicion of drug dealing.
A 20-year-old man from Havant, a 20-year-old from Waterlooville, and a 22-year-old man from Cosham have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, Hampshire Police said.
Ms Jones worked with people with learning and physical difficulties, her family said.
“Georgia was a very strongwilled and opinionated young lady,” they said in a statement released through Hampshire police.
“She was a shoulder for anyone that needed it. She loved her job working with people with learning and physical difficulties. We just hope she uses her ‘indoor voice’ wherever she may be.”
Damien Cowan, the father of Mr Cowan who was also known as Tommy Bakeer, told of his shock and sadness.
He said, in a statement also released through police: “My baby boy, I miss you so much and can’t believe you are gone.
“Fly high with the angels and sleep well. Until we meet again, I love and miss you always.”
The pair were among 15 revellers admitted to Queen Alexandra Hospital from the event that night, with organisers issuing a warning of a “high strength or bad batch” of drugs.
The second day of the festival, which Craig David and Sean Paul were due to headline, was cancelled as a “safety precaution”.
A spokeswoman for the hospital said it was believed they were admitted after falling ill from the effects of drugs. Another person remains in a critical condition.
Mr Cowan’s father added: “He was funny. He loved life and he loved his little boy.
“He was everything. He was a good lad – unfortunately he made a bad choice.”
Mr Cowan was a “brilliant” friend, according to 19-year-old Jack Ford, who said they met at college studying uniformed services.