Leah rolled the dice with a ‘legal high’ & paid ultimate price
Parents warn of drug danger as their girl, 15, dies
It is shocking that a 15-yr-old girl can easily access a drug so strong it leads to her death LEAH KERRY’S FAMILY IN A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE POLICE
THE family of a 15-year-old girl who died after taking a “legal high” knew the danger but thought she was invincible, her family said.
Loved ones said Leah Kerry “rolled the dice” by taking a new psychoactive substance with two friends on a night out.
They hope her story will prevent other teenagers taking the same fatal chance.
Leah fell unconscious at 4am in a park but could not be saved in hospital. Two other girls survived after treatment for taking the same drug, formerly classed as a legal high.
The teen’s family released a statement through police saying: “Leah had the benefit of good information and advice at various intervals of her adolescent life and was well aware of the nature of different illicit substances and the risks.
“Sadly, despite being well aware of the risks, she thought she was invincible and she rolled the dice and has paid the ultimate price.
“If there are any young people who have known Leah, or who have heard about her story, I would urge them on Leah’s behalf to not make the same mistake.”
CARING
Leah had been living with her family in Salisbury, Wilts, but returned often to visit friends in Torquay, Devon, where she had lived most of her life. She died after taking the drug in Bakers Park, Newton Abbot, Devon, on July 15.
The statement added: “The sudden and tragic passing of our beautiful Leah has been the most painful experience that we have all ever had to endure.
“Leah was a delightful, strong-willed, caring and compassionate child and had developed into a courageous and confident young women, ready to take on the world.”
They said her brother was “struggling to adjust to a future without his big sister”.
The family called for former “legal highs” such as NPS – or New Psychoactive Substances – tablets to be at the top of the Government’s drugs strategy.
They added: “It’s so shocking that a 15-year-old girl who is socialising with other 15-yearold peers is able to easily have access to a drug so strong that it could lead to her death.”
Jacob Khanlarian, 20, from Newton Abbot, has been charged with possession with intent to supply MDMA and cannabis.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Exeter crown court on August 10.