First pictures of Leeds and Creamfields revellers ‘killed by drugs’ in double Bank Holiday festival tragedy
Tributes paid as cops renew drug warnings to festival-goers
PICTURES of the two revellers who died at rival festivals after reportedly taking drugs over the Bank Holiday weekend have emerged.
Lewis Haunch, 17, was pronounced dead in hospital after collapsing at Leeds Festival on Saturday, while Joe Sheppard, 26, died at Creamfields Festival on Friday.
One reveller at the Leeds Festival, headlined by Red Hot Chili Peppers, believed she saw Lewis, from Leigh, Greater Manchester, after he collapsed.
Hayley Briggs said: “He was ashen, head-to-toe grey, totally not with it.
“He was being cradled by a first-aider and looked to be in and out of consciousness.”
Tributes have been paid to the teenager who a cousin described as "one of the most harmless, nicest lads I know".
Two 17-year-olds were later held in Greater Manchester on suspicion of drug offences.
At Creamfields Festival 26-year-old Joe died after suffering breathing difficulties on Friday night.
Paramedics were called to the Cheshire festival but were unable to save the man, believed to be a father-of-one.
The company he worked for, JDM Garage UK, posted online: "It is with heartfelt sadness that we inform you our friend, college, employee Joe has passed away over night last night.
They said: “He was a lovely, pleasant person. I’m lost for words to be honest.”
Following Lewis' death 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 and we would always advise people against it, but I would ask that people are particularly conscious of the risks following this young man’s death.
“In partnership with the organisers, Festival Republic, we will continue to take action against those who risk the lives of others by supplying drugs.”
Cheshire Police also renewed drugs warnings following Joe's death telling revellers “the constabulary wants to remind people that drug supply at Creamfields will not be tolerated, and officers will take robust action where necessary”.
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