Tributes have been paid to two teenagers who died “in a moment of madness” after taking drugs in a Plymouth nightclub.
Aaron Reilly and Joshua Brock, both 19, collapsed in Pryzm nightclub on Saturday and were taken to hospital after taking what they thought was MDMA, police said.
Reilly’s family said the teenager was respected by his friends as a “non-drug user”, with his brother Kian adding: “ I can’t believe he was taken from me and my family in one silly mistake”.
“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,” he said.
The family added: “Aaron was a much-loved son, brother, grandson and boyfriend. [He] 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.”
Brock, who was studying for a diploma in aircraft engineering, was said to be a loving son, an inspirational brother and a loyal friend. His family said the incident was “totally out of character”.
“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.”
They added: “RIP my beautiful son and loving brother – until we can all be together again.”
Paramedics alerted police at about 1.40am on 9 December that two men had been found unconscious at the nightclub. Both were taken to Derriford hospital in Plymouth, where they later died.
They had been attending a set by the Swedish DJ Basshunter.
He released a statement through his team, saying: “Basshunter is devastated that what was a party atmosphere should end this way. He would like to offer his condolences at this very sad time.”
An 18-year-old man who was earlier arrested in connection with the incident was released under investigation.
Police have urged anyone with information to call 101, quoting log number 67 for 9 December.
