Co Armagh student who died just 48 hours after arriving at her university in England, had "bright future ahead of her"

Jeni Larmour
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 6th Oct 2020

A teenage student from Co Armagh who was one of four young people to die in suspected drugs-related incidents over the weekend, was a "model pupil'', her former school principal said.

Jeni Larmour was one of two 18-year-old women who died in Newcastle University student accommodation.

The university said both were thought to have been on campus for less than 48 hours.

Separately, an 18-year-old man from nearby Washington, Tyne and Wear, who was not a student, and a 21-year-old from Northumbria University died.

Ms Larmour, from Newtownhamilton, had been deputy head girl at The Royal School in Armagh,.

School principal Graham Montgomery said: "Jeni was an outstanding pupil who made the most of all opportunities the school had to offer."

And in a tribute on Facebook, the school said she was "a model pupil, exemplifying many of the values which this school seeks to promote''.

She was an enthusiastic pupil who joined in school activities and "was blessed with a beautiful singing voice'', it added.

"Jeni was a spirited and independently-minded girl with clear views which she was happy to articulate in a respectful manner, and she was possessed of a well-developed sense of justice.

"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.''

Northumbria Police arrested a total of 10 people and carried out searches of student accommodation using drugs dogs.

In a Twitter post yesterday (Monday) the police said: "Drugs are suspected to have been a factor in the deaths which happened at addresses on Richardson Rd & Melbourne St in Newcastle and Coach Road Estate Washington.

A no. of people have been arrested on suspicion of supplying MDMA & Ketamine & multiple searches carried out."