Northallerton inquest into 15-year-old boy's MDMA overdose
Joshua Reeson passed in 2020 after taking MDMA
Last updated 27th Jun 2025
An inquest has opened into a 15-year-old boy's death in Northallerton today (27th June).
Joshua Reeson died in September 2020 after taking the drug MDMA.
Josh’s Mum Michelle made the following statement: “I lost my 15-year-old son Joshua, to a drug overdose.
"There are no words that can fully capture the pain, shock, and the emptiness that follows such a tragedy. His death cannot be for nothing, I intend to carry his memory forward with purpose. My son who gave so much for others would want me to spread awareness of how he died, to hopefully prevent others from having to experience the same terrible, needless heartbreak we, his family and friends, live with everyday.
"Joshua was not just a son, a brother, a cousin, nephew, grandchild, great grandchild and friend, he was a light to everyone around him. His heart as big as he was, always eager to lend a hand, to listen, and to make people smile. He cared deeply for others, his kindness knew no limits, he was a boy full of life, with hopes and dreams for the future. He was, and still is, loved beyond measure, he had so much more to give to this world.
"One spur of the moment decision, one wrong choice, and everything changed.
"Drugs took Joshua away from us. The reality is this can happen to anyone, any child from any family, no matter how much love and care surround them. It is simply not enough to say “don’t do drugs”, we need to educate ourselves and our children about the dangers they pose, and the signs and symptoms of an overdose. We must speak openly about this issue so that our silence does not steal another child from us.
"To any young person reading this please hear me when I say: please don’t experiment , don’t assume you are invincible, one time is all it takes. Your life matters. You matter. Don’t gamble it all away, you are worth so much more than any high.”