The heartbroken families of two teenagers who died after allegedly taking ecstasy on a night out have paid tribute to the pair.
Aaron Reilly and Joshua Brock, both 19, collapsed in Pryzm nightclub in Plymouth – in what their families said was a ‘moment of madness’.
Paramedics alerted police at around 1.40am on Saturday that two men had been found unconscious at the Pryzm nightclub at the Barbican Leisure Park in Plymouth.
DJ Basshunter, who was performing during the event, revealed he was ‘devastated’ by what happened.
An 18-year-old man is currently in custody and awaiting questioning by police.
Joshua was studying for a diploma in aircraft engineering at the Flybe Training Academy in Exeter – while Aaron was described as a keen skateboarder who loved to play computer games.
Aaron Reilly, pictured left, and Joshua Brock, pictured right, both 19, tragically died after collapsing in Pryzm nightclub in Plymouth
Paramedics alerted police at around 1.40am on Saturday that two men had been found unconscious at the Pryzm nightclub at the Barbican Leisure Park in Plymouth
Snapchat footage shows panicked clubbers being evacuated from the nightclub
Relatives of Mr Brock said what happened that night was ‘so totally out of character as he was always against drug taking in any shape or form’.
‘One moment of madness led to this tragedy,’ the family statement added.
Mr Reilly’s younger brother Kian said: ‘My brother was one of the most responsible people I ever knew and everything he achieved I was so proud of but I was so envious of his talent.
‘I tried so hard to follow in his footsteps and I still do now but I no longer have anyone to look up to and I don’t have my big brother to help me through life.
‘I can’t believe he was taken from me and my family from one silly mistake, just trying to have fun on a night out with his best mates.
‘He will be forever missed and I will never forget the amazing brother he was.’
The parents of Joshua Brock – Steve and Sandra – paid tribute to the youngster, who had two siblings Liam and Demelza.
They said: ‘He was the kindest, most helpful person you could hope to meet and had a great sense of humour.
‘He also enjoyed helping his Dad to build our house at weekends and in the holidays. His cat Magic will miss her tuna treats.
‘He would do anything for anybody, was very popular and loved a night out with friends drinking and having a laugh.
‘His main hobby was keeping fit and eating healthily, so what happened that night is so totally out of character as he was always against drug taking in any shape or form. One moment of madness lead to this tragedy.
‘Of all your achievements Josh, we are so proud and stand and salute you; Your handsome face, cheeky smile and curly hair; And all those happy moments we shared; RIP my beautiful son and loving brother – Until we can all be together again.’
Detective Inspector Julie Scoles, said: ‘It is currently believed that the two men who died were part of a larger group who had taken what they thought to have been MDMA.
‘Many of the group were from Okehampton and had visited Plymouth to attend the Basshunter set at the Pryzm nightclub last night.
‘We are investigating these deaths and have located the rest of the group who are thankfully showing no ill-effects at this time.
Pictured: Dance artist Basshunter was performing at the club
‘We are not currently seeking anyone else in connection to this death, but would like to hear from anyone who has any information that can help us with our enquiries.
‘I am urging the public, especially those going out and planning to take recreational drugs, to be aware of this incident and think twice before taking any unknown substance; There is always a risk when taking drugs and the only way of staying safe is to avoid drugs altogether.’
In a statement, Pryzm Plymouth said they were ‘devastated’ and offered their thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of the two men.
‘It is believed that earlier in the night the two men took what they thought to be MDMA and we would urge anyone, especially those going out tonight and who may be planning on taking recreational drugs, to be aware of this incident and to please think twice before taking any unknown substance,’ the statement read.
For advice on drugs and the possible risks posed, head to www.TalkToFrank.com.
Anyone with any information can contact the police on 101 or 101@dc.police.uk quoting log number 67 for 9 December.
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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