Manchester Evening News

Back Page BOY , 17 , DIES IN DRUGS TRAGEDY AT FESTIVAL

FRIENDS’ TRIBUTES AFTER YOUNGSTER COLLAPSES AT MUSIC EVENT

- By CHRIS SLATER chris.slater@men-news.co.uk @chrisslate­rMEN

TRIBUTES have flooded in for an ‘innocent and kind’ teenager from Greater Manchester who died after reportedly taking drugs at a music festival

Lewis Haunch, 17, from Leigh, near Wigan, collapsed ‘immediatel­y’ after he took the substance.

He was rushed from Leeds Festival to hospital by ambulance for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead at around midnight on Saturday.

Heartbroke­n friends and family expressed their grief on social media. Charlie Heaton posted on Facebook: “Absolutely devastated that my cousin, one of the most harmless, nicest lads I know has been taken, can’t begin to describe the feeling. RIP Lewis, everyone is gonna miss you pal.”

Joe Heaton added: “Just in absolute shock and speechless and can’t stop crying. My cousin Lewis died last night far too young. At just 17 years old, he was taken far too early from us all. What a kind, innocent young man, who would never cause any harm to anybody. Let his memory live on! R.I.P.XX”

Erica McGuinness wrote: “This morning my life changed forever; finding out that my best friend has passed away has to be one of the hardest, if not the hardest, things I’ve ever had to deal with. Words can’t describe how much I’m missing you already and the hurt I’m experienci­ng trying to take it all in. “Couldn’t ask for a better best friend and I’m just devastated it got cut too short. Nobody will ever replace you.” Oliver Hurst posted: “Still can’t get my head around it, don’t know why you’ve been taken from us so early. Gonna miss you R.I.P brother.” Two 17-year-old boys have already been arrested in connection with his death by police in Greater Manchester on suspicion of drugs offences. Lewis’ family are being supported by specialist officers. Leeds Festival’s police commander, Chief Superinten­dent Keith Gilert from West Yorkshire Police, said: “Our thoughts are naturally with the family of the young man at this time. At this time the indication­s are that the man consumed drugs immediatel­y before he collapsed. I would, though, like to take this opportunit­y to remind anyone attending the Festival that there is no safe way to take drugs. Taking any illegal drug carries a risk to health.”

What a kind, innocent young man who would never cause any harm to anybody Facebook tribute to Lewis Haunch

 ??  ?? Lewis Haunch died after reportedly taking drugs at Leeds Festival
Lewis Haunch died after reportedly taking drugs at Leeds Festival

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