DEADLY consequences of drugs abuse have been highlighted by the family of the 15-year-old girl who died after collapsing in Newton Abbot’s Bakers Park last weekend.

Leah Kerry died in Torbay Hospital after suffering an adverse reaction to psychoactive substances or NPSs.

Her family said in a statement issued this morning that the youngster had ‘shimmered and shone her way through her life’ before her tragic death in the early hours of last Saturday.

They stressed: ‘Leah was well aware of the nature of different illicit substances and the risks attached.

‘Sadly, despite being well aware of the risks, she thought she was invincible and she rolled the dice – and has paid the ultimate price.’

The family warned: ‘If there are any young people who have known Leah, or who have heard about her story, I would urge them on Leah’s behalf, to not make the same mistake and to make better and safer choices when out in the community.

‘If even one young person decides to reduce their risk-taking behaviour and not take these dangerous NPS tablets, then Leah’s death has not been in vain.’

The family also made a direct appeal to politicians to do their bit to help avoid such tragedies in the future.

They said: ‘We would also ask the government to place the dangers of psychoactive substances at the top of their agenda for discussion on the back of their Drugs Strategy for 2017 which was only published the day before Leah died.

‘It’s so shocking that a 15-year-old girl who is socialising with other 15-year-old peers is able to easily have access to a drug so strong that it could lead to her death in the way that it did.’

Leah’s family said her death had been ‘the most painful experience that we have all ever had to endure.’

In a touching tribute they said: ‘Leah was a kind and loving daughter, sister, niece, cousin, grand-daughter and great grand-daughter. Her loss has had a profound impact especially on her parents, aunts and uncles, cousins, grand-parents and her younger brother who is struggling to adjust to a future without his big sister.

‘She was a delightful, strong-willed, caring and compassionate child and had developed into a courageous and confident young woman who was ready to take on the world.

‘Leah had really started to engage in her education – and, for the first time since leaving primary school, felt very well accepted and supported by her school setting in Salisbury.

‘She had a real love of expensive make-up products and ambitions of following her dreams of doing make up and beauty professionally.

‘This was a talent that she had already mastered on herself. Leah loved to look nice. She would never leave the house without her Jeffrey Star Highlighter being over zealously applied and she shimmered and shone her way through her life.

‘Leah lit up any room she walked into with her incredible personality, sense of humour, striking looks and demeanour. Those who know her will ache to hear the words “You allriiight” one last time.

‘Leah was blessed in that while living in Torquay for the majority of her life she made lifelong friends and she was able to maintain these friendships even though we had relocated to Wiltshire at the start of 2015.

‘As well as forging treasured new friendships in Wiltshire, Leah regularly returned and spent time with local friends. Leah was at her happiest when she was with her friends.’

An inquest opened on Friday to take formal evidence of identity. A full hearing will be held later in the year.

l Jacob Khanlarian, 20, a former student at Combeshead Academy, Newton Abbot, is expected to appear before Exeter Crown Court on August 10 on drugs charges related to the tragedy.