In October 2020, 18-year-old Jeni Larmour, from Northern Ireland, died within the first two days of starting her architecture and urban planning course at Newcastle University. She had fallen ill at her student accommodation on Saturday 3rd October after taking ketamine and mixing it with alcohol. Jeni was described as “spirited” and a “model pupil” by her former school where she was deputy head girl.
Just a day later 21-year-old Northumbria University student, Nathaniel Pavlovic from Halifax, became unwell at his student accommodation. He was taken to hospital where he died shortly after. The police inquest heard that his death was related to taking substances which were ‘yet to be identified.
After these incidents, the Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, Professor Chris Day emailed all students urging them to drink responsibly and about the dangers of drug use: “I know how different the start of this term has been and that it is exciting to be back at University with your friends after the last six months. But your safety is in your hands. If you drink, then make sure you do so sensibly and that you look after each other. Remember, it is against the law to take and supply drugs and it is also extremely dangerous. Batches of drugs can vary in purity and strength and are potentially lethal, and mixing drugs with alcohol further increases this risk.”
A spokesperson for Newcastle University said "At Newcastle, we work very hard to educate our students about the dangers of drug use and to support those affected by their own use or that of someone they know. We take a harm reduction stance on student drug use, focusing on safeguarding, education, support and effective policies and procedures. Our teams work collaboratively with Northumbria Police, Student Health and Wellbeing, Accommodation and Student Progress, to take appropriate action to both safeguard our community, while ensuring vulnerable students are effectively supported. We would strongly encourage any student to seek support through our Student Health and Wellbeing Service if they do use, or plan to use drugs."
A spokesperson for Northumbria University said: "Throughout the year, and particularly at the start of term, we encourage our students to stay safe and continue to remind them of their responsibilities and to take care of each other, particularly in social situations. Students can also speak with a University welfare advisor or health practitioner without an appointment, and they have access to 24/7 support if they need to speak with someone in confidence."
If you have been affected by the contents of this article, Newcastle University’s Wellbeing services are available here.