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Tributes are being paid to an “outstanding” 18-year-old from Northern Ireland who was found dead just days after starting at Newcastle University.
Jeni Larmour is one of four young women who died within hours of each other after apparently using illegal drugs over the weekend.
The teenager died Saturday morning and a second woman was found unconscious in the same university accommodation on Sunday afternoon.
The university said the teens had been in the city for less than 48 hours.
The Royal School in County Armagh posted a message on its Facebook page, remembering the vice principal.
“Jeni came to the Royal School in Year 8 and in the years that followed she was a model student, exemplifying many of the values this school seeks to promote,” she said.
“Her outstanding qualities as a student were recognized in her senior year when she was appointed Deputy Principal, a role she played to a very high standard.
“Jeni’s ambition was to attend the Royal School and she did not miss any of the opportunities that were offered to her here. Jeni enthusiastically devoted herself to school life.”
The statement goes on to describe how Ms. Larmour was “blessed with a beautiful singing voice” and was a member of the Chamber Choir.
He had also traveled to New Delhi in late 2019 as part of a charity project.
The tribute read: “We have no doubt that, given her academic ability and personality, Jeni had a bright future ahead of her and we are saddened that it was interrupted so suddenly.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to his many friends, family, brother and parents at this tragic time and assure them of our prayers and practical support.”
A student at Northumbria University also died
An 18-year-old, who was not a student, in nearby Washington, Tyne and Wear, and a 21-year-old from Northumbria University living in Newcastle also died over the weekend, after apparently taking MDMA. separately.
Northumbria police said they arrested a total of 10 people and that a large investigation is underway, including the use of drug dogs to search for student accommodation.
Newcastle University Vice Chancellor Professor Chris Day said rookie week had not been a factor in the deaths of any of the young students.
During a virtual press conference, he said: “This happened in the first 48 hours, the rookie week had just started.”
Professor Day has written to all the students warning them about the two tragedies.
Chief Inspector Steve Wykes urged anyone with illegal drugs to dispose of them safely.
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.”
He said it was too early to tell if the drugs were part of two larger deadly batches.
“Illegal drugs are never safe and the danger they pose cannot be underestimated,” he told reporters.
