'Not worth the risk' - Heartbroken family's warning after Southend teen's Ibiza death
Ryan Long, from Eastwood, died last Tuesday after spending five days in intensive care after falling ill while on holiday in Ibiza.
Loved - Ryan's parents want to warn other young people about the dangers of drug use (Image: Adrian Long) His parents have urged other youngsters to avoid the temptation of illegal drug use in destinations such as Ibiza and have called out the party culture which they feel influenced his decision.
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"He's not the first and he won't be the last, but I hope that this will shock other young people his age," said Ryan's dad, Adrian Long.
Ryan had flown out to Ibiza with a group of friends on Wednesday July 2, falling ill just a day later on Thursday July 3.
According to his parents, Ryan's friends had helped their son out of the club they were in and into a taxi after his condition took a downward turn.
Young - Ryan was on holiday in Ibiza when he fell ill (Image: Adrian Long) By the time the taxi had reached their accommodation, they realised that an ambulance was needed.
Ryan was subsequently moved to an intensive care unit where he tragically passed away five days later with his parents at his side.
"It's not worth the risk," said Ryan's distraught mum, Angela.
"Ryan knew about the danger, he knew about Leah Betts and he knew that it only takes one pill.
"We'd drummed it into him but we never thought it would be him."
Latchingdon resident Leah Betts died in 1995, also aged 18, after taking an ecstasy tablet during a birthday celebration at her home - her case made national headlines.
Discussing why she believes Ryan decided to take an illegal drug in Ibiza, Angela said: "The attraction for youngsters is too much - Ryan told us that it was 52 euros for a single vodka and coke."
Warning - Ryan spent five days in intensive care before passing away last Tuesday (Image: Adrian Long) Adrian added: "The hospitals out there were superb, and we can't fault the doctors, nurses or any of the staff.
"However, they did tell us that there were a number of other cases already this season."
In the wake of Ryan's death, a fundraiser has been set up by family friends in support of the Long's, and has already seen thousands donated to the grieving family.
You can support the fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-ryan-long
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