'MY BEST FRIEND'
Heartbroken mum’s tribute to ‘beautiful princess’ student who died along with 3 others after ‘taking ketamine and MDMA’
THE heartbroken mum of an 18-year-old girl who died along with three others amid fears they took ketamine and MDMA has paid tribute to her "best friend".
Jeni Larmour had only arrived at Newcastle University from her home in County Armagh to study Architecture and Urban Planning two days before her death.
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The student was tragically found dead in her halls of residence at around 6am on Saturday with three other young people also dying over the weekend in the city.
An 18-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs but has been released on bail.
Her heartbroken mum Sandra Foster Larmour today paid tribute, saying: "My beautiful Princess my best friend x".
Police have now issued an urgent drug warning and believe they were factor in Jeni's death after finding ketamine at the halls.
A total of ten people have been arrested in connection with the four teens' deaths.
They said another girl, 18, was found dead a day later at the same halls of residence with cops discovering the same drug nearby.
An 18-year-old arrested in connection with her death has been released on bail.
A 21-year-old male Northumbria University student also died on Sunday with MDMA found at the scene.
A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of supplying a class A drug has been released on bail.
His death came after another 18-year-old man, who was not a student, was discovered dead on Saturday at around 3.50pm.
Seven people have been arrested in connection with his death but have since released on bail.
'BAD BATCH'
They tragedies occurred amid fears of high-risk behaviour by students to ward off lockdown boredom.
There were also rumours of a bad batch of drugs being sold.
One student said: “The word around the student village is that a bad batch of pills has been offered around and some people have got hold of them.”
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Signs such as “Send beers — have Covid” have appeared in accommodation windows.
One, in a block next to where the students died, had the word Ket — slang for ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic used as a horse tranquilliser.
Tributes have now flooded in for Jeni, who attended the Royal School Armagh and was a Combined Cadet Force member.
Pal Piper Hebditch, 18, said: "I was shocked and heartbroken, she’s so outgoing and I don’t believe she willingly would have taken any drugs."
Piper and Jeni met on an Army Cadets Round Britain sailing challenge in August 2018 and became friends straight away.
She said: "When we first arrived it was a bit awkward with the others getting to know each other, but Jeni was super bubbly and amazing she instantly came an said hi and got to know everyone.
"I loved how open and confident she was, she was such an inspiration to a lot of us but to me especially. She was so enthusiastic even when we were up at 4am in 2C weather in the middle of the Irish Sea.
"The look of amazement on her face when we saw the seals of dolphins could warm even the coldest of hearts. She was utterly amazing and will by truly missed by us all.
"I’ve spoke to her mum they are heartbroken but are coping, they have so many kind words it helps I’d assume.
"I’m gutted someone could be taken this soon and in such a cruel and unfair manner. Let her fly high with the angels."
Royal Navy veteran, Nick Cohen, 42, also met Jeni on the Cadets trip in 2018, and paid tribute to the "beautiful" girl.
He said: "She was a beautiful girl inside and out. She was lovely - always smiling and could melt any frown and brought the best out in everybody.
"She was hardworking, intelligent and an absolute pleasure to be around and she was very excited about going to uni.
"I've been in touch with her family and obviously they are struggling. They're going down to ID her body today and clear out her room at the university.
"Jeni's brother has been really supportive. He's there with her mum and dad is going over today.
"What a waste. She had a bright future and she made everyone smile, It's really sad."
DRUG WARNING
Armagh Royal School where Jeni was a deputy head girl also paid tribute to the "model pupil"
Headmaster Graham Montgomery said: "She was part of the highly successful Combined Cadet Force ‘mil skills’ team and she worked closely with younger cadets to encourage them to develop their skills.
“Her capacity for encouraging others and showing leadership were evident when she was chosen for the important role of Student Leader at the Gordonstoun International Summer School in the summer of 2019.
“She was a highly valued member of the Chamber Choir and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. She combined that beautiful voice and a brilliant sense of comic timing when she masterfully played the role of Madame de la Grande Bouche in the school production of Walt Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
“In October 2019 Jeni was part of the school’s signature charity project, the ASHA team which spent 10 days in the Trilok Puri slum in New Delhi. This trip required significant commitment and was the culmination of a year of fundraising activity by Jeni and the other team members.”
Mr Montgomery said Jeni was a ";spirited and independently minded girl" who helped drive a green initiative on the school council.
He added: “We have no doubt, that given her academic ability and personality, Jeni had a bright future ahead of her and we are saddened that has been so suddenly cut short.
"We extend to her many friends, her family, brother and parents our sincerest sympathy at this tragic time and assure them of our prayers and practical support.”
A police spokesman said that specialist officers are supporting the families of those involved.
Although the causes of the deaths have not been confirmed, officers said they wanted to warn the public about the danger of taking drugs.
TRAGIC DEATHS
Chief Inspector Steve Wykes said: “This weekend we have seen the tragic loss of four young lives and our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of those who have sadly died.
“Although our investigations are at an early stage and we continue to establish the circumstances around these tragedies, we want to reiterate our warning to people against taking drugs for recreational use.
“The consequences could cost you your life.
“We will continue to work with both universities and will be increasing our patrols in the areas where these tragedies have occurred.”
He said that anyone who has taken these drugs and needs emergency medical attention should always call 999.
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A Newcastle University spokesperson said: "We are devastated to learn of a second death at our University and our wellbeing teams are providing support to those affected.
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“In light of the warning from Northumbria Police and Public Health that drugs may be a factor in these and a further two deaths in our region, the Vice-Chancellor also wrote to all students last night to remind them of the dangers of illegal drugs and directing them to our Wellbeing Service if they need any help or support.
“Students who are found with illegal substances are subject to disciplinary procedures ranging from fines to expulsion from the University. "
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