Tributes to teenager after death at Leeds Festival
16-year-old David Celino passed away on Sunday morning
Last updated 29th Aug 2022
The family of a 16-year-old boy who tragically died at Leeds Festival have paid tribute to him.
David Celino from Worsley in Greater Manchester passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning after being taken to hospital on Saturday night.
Yesterday police said they had launched an investigation following a suspected drugs-related death of a teenager at the event.
Officers were called at just after 10pm on Saturday and were informed a 16-year-old male had been taken to the medical tent after falling ill.
He was taken to hospital but tragically died on Sunday morning.
"He had just received fabulous GCSE results."
In a tribute, his family said: “Our David was a beautiful, fiercely independent and warm character who lived every day at 110% and who loved to spend time enjoying music with his friends.
"He had just received fabulous GCSE results, got into college, and had hoped to study computer science at a top university.
"Leeds Festival was the highlight of his summer; ultimately it was to take his life in the most unfair, cruel and horrible way, and we are broken.”
Police enquiries into David’s death remain ongoing, and the force is continuing to support his family.
"They have asked that their privacy is respected and advised they do not wish to be approached by members of the media."
Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police, said:
“Our thoughts are with the family of the boy who has died, and we have officers supporting them at this very difficult time.
“While the exact cause of his death is yet to be established, one line of enquiry is that he had taken a particular type of ecstasy (MDMA) tablet, which was described as a grey or black oblong shape.
“At this moment in time, this is believed to be an isolated incident as we have not received any similar reports.
“Users of any drug which is not professionally prescribed can never be sure of their contents and the risks involved with taking the substance.
“Anyone who does feel ill after taking any substance should seek urgent medical attention."
“We are continuing to conduct enquiries on-site and are liaising closely with the event organisers.”
Anyone who believes they can assist the investigation can either contact police or security on site, call on 101, or use the LiveChat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.