Teen killed by drugs

Ryan McElwee from the Edenmore Park area passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning after taking drugs at a house party. He was just 17 years-old. Yesterday just hours before his funeral his heartbroken mum Vera spoke to the Sentinel and sent a plea to the young people of the borough - stay away from drugs.

"Ryan was a good fella, bubbly, he loved life. But he thought he was in the fast lane. What I want to say to young people in this town where drugs are rife, is please, stay away from them," said the Limavady mum.

"Ryan started taking cannabis about four or five years ago, it started off just from doing it with his friends then it spiralled into something more. As the years went on the company Ryan kept got worse. At the moment I can't think. It's hard to take in."

Yesterday at the teenager's funeral service at Christ Church, the Reverent Jason Kernohan attacked those supplying drugs in the town.

Speaking to the congregation the curate assistant said: "These people should be ashamed of themselves, and if they had any heart, any conscience at all they would put an end to this reign of terror that is swiping our country.

"Think of the heartache and grief that is now part of the McElwee family, think of the gap that is left in their lives. What if it was your son or daughter? Would you want a stop to this evil?"

Pleading with the youth's friends and other young people in town, Reverent Kernohan asked those battling with drugs to seek help.

"Please, for God's sake don't allow the lure of drugs to take over your life. For those of you who haven't taken them, don't even think about it.

"And don't allow peer pressure to drag you into a world of unhappiness and addiction. And to those of you who feel trapped, remember there is help available."

Ryan's former teacher Mr Bartlett of Limavady High School also paid a heart touching tribute to the youngster at the ceremony. And Principal David Dunlop yesterday said the school community were devastated by the loss of a young man who "lost his life in this way".

The principal said: "The school would like to extend its heartfelt sympathies to Ryan's family, including his sister Shannon who is a current pupil here and brother Shea, who is still in primary school.

"Yesterday I visited the home and sat beside the coffin and watched as groups of young people came to pay their respects, I hope that what they saw was a warning about the drug culture and the misuse of drugs."

Ryan left Limavady High School in Year 10 after falling into difficulties in school. In June he completed the Limavady Education Alternative Programme (LEAP) in which he received a certificate for his work.

Mr Dunlop continued: "When Ryan started school he was always in good uniform, well presented, always looking well and keen. Then in Year 10 when he became more involved with the youth culture scene, other elements began to cut in on his life. The last time I saw him was in June past when he was receiving his certificate for completing the LEAP programme, where he received one to one tuition and also counselling. He was bright eyed and bushy tailed and it's hard to believe that now he is gone. The school community is stunned and we are just devastated that a young man lost his life in this way."

Ryan's death comes just three years after Ballykelly teenager Danielle Gibbens died after taking ecstasy at a house party in Limavady in 2007. UUP representatives Jack Rankin and Edwin Stevenson this week appealed to young people in the town to think before taking drugs.

"We are both very saddened by the news. A warning should be sent out to all parents to look out for the warning signs of drug use and to young people who are considering taking drugs - look at the consequences.

"Drugs are readily available here in Limavady. We would urge anyone with information on drugs to get in touch with the PSNI, who are doing a good job at tackling the issue with a number of seizures of late."

A PSNI spokesperson said Ryan's death was now being investigated on behalf of the Coroner.

"Police are investigating the sudden death of a 17-year-old male on behalf of the Coroner. The male was taken to hospital from an address in Limavady on Saturday morning, October 23, and died a short time later. A Post Mortem has been carried out. Police are not treating the death as suspicious at this time. "

Tributes have been left to the 17 year-old on the Roe Valley Sentinel's Facebook page. One friend wrote: "wee snig , you'll be missed by everyone!! a wee smiler all day & everyday. one of a kind wee man - RIP mate, love Kane & sarah. xxx"

Moira McDermott wrote: "I will miss seeing you pass by my house waving in. You were taken too soon. My thoughts are with your family and all your friends. RIP wee Snig. xxx"