Two 19 year-old men have died after taking drugs at a nightclub in a tragedy described as ‘one silly mistake…one moment of madness’ by their families.
Aaron Reilly and Joshua Brock collapsed unconscious at the Pryzm nightclub in Plymouth, Devon around 1.40am on Saturday.
They were rushed by ambulance to hospital but died from what is believed to be MDMA.
Joshua’s grieving relatives said it was “totally out of character” for him to take drugs, while Aaron’s family said he was “respected as a non-drug user.”
Joshua, from Okehampton, Devon was in his third year studying for a diploma in aircraft engineering at the Flybe Training Academy in Exeter.
Aaron, from Newton Abbot, Devon, was described as a keen skateboarder who loved to play computer games.
Aaron’s heartbroken younger brother Kian said: “My brother was one of the most responsible people I ever knew and everything he achieved I was so proud of but I was so envious of his talent.
“I tried so hard to follow in his footsteps and I still do now but I no longer have anyone to look up to and I don’t have my big brother to help me through life.
“I can’t believe he was taken from me and my family from one silly mistake, just trying to have fun on a night out with his best mates.
“He will be forever missed and I will never forget the amazing brother he was.”
A statement from Aaron’s family added: “Aaron was a much loved son, brother, grandson and boyfriend.
“He loved to skate, play computer games. Like most teenage lads he liked a night out with his friends and was respected by them as a non-drug user.
“Aaron had the whole of his life ahead of him and it has all been taken away from him way too soon by one stupid mistake and not knowing the devastating consequences.”
Joshua’s parents, Steve and Sandra Brock, and his siblings Liam and Demelza, said he was a “loyal mate” to his pals.
In a statement, they said: “Joshua was in his third year studying for a diploma in aircraft engineering at the Flybe Training Academy in Exeter when his life was cut short.
“His interests were wide and varied, he loved to drive, snowboard, go-karting, micro-lighting, playing guitar and drums and he had a brilliant career ahead of him.
“He was the kindest, most helpful person you could hope to meet and had a great sense of humour.
“He also enjoyed helping his dad to build our house at weekends and in the holidays.
“His cat Magic will miss her tuna treats.
“He would do anything for anybody, was very popular and loved a night out with friends drinking and having a laugh.
“His main hobby was keeping fit and eating healthily, so what happened that night is so totally out of character as he was always against drug taking in any shape or form.
“One moment of madness lead to this tragedy.
“Of all your achievements Josh, we are so proud and stand and salute you; Your handsome face, cheeky smile and curly hair; And all those happy moments we shared; RIP my beautiful son and loving brother – Until we can all be together again.”
An 18-year-old arrested at the time was released under investigation.
Detective Inspector Julie Scoles said: “It is currently believed that the two men who died were part of a larger group who had taken what they thought to have been MDMA.
“Many of the group were from Okehampton and had visited Plymouth to attend the Basshunter set at the Pryzm nightclub last night.
“We are investigating these deaths and have located the rest of the group who are thankfully showing no ill-effects at this time.
“We are not currently seeking anyone else in connection to this death, but would like to hear from anyone who has any information that can help us with our enquiries.”
She added: “I am urging the public, especially those going out and planning to take recreational drugs, to be aware of this incident and think twice before taking any unknown substance.
“There is always a risk when taking drugs and the only way of staying safe is to avoid drugs altogether.”
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