Henllan woman, 20, dies at music festival

Aug 4 2008 By David Simister

Katie Jones

THE DENBIGHSHIRE woman who died from a suspected drugs overdose last Friday (August 1) after collapsing at one of the UK’s biggest independent festivals has been named as 20-year-old Katie Jones, from Llannefyd Road in Henllan.

Katie was taken ill at the Kendal Calling event, held last weekend (August 1, 2 and 3), where music stars including chart-topper Dizzee Rascal and the Super Furry Animals were performing for music fans.

Cumbria Police confirmed that after collapsing at 11.30pm at the festival, she was taken by ambulance to Royal Lancaster Infirmary, where she later died.

A spokesman for the force said: "Ambulance crews were called to the music event on Friday. They treated a 20-year-old woman." 

Katie’s family did not wish to speak to YourVale directly but released a statement through Cumbria Police paying tribute to the 20-year-old, who worked in a ceramics factory in Denbigh.

"Katie was fun-loving and vivacious and her life revolved around her family and friends who loved her very much. She had the gift of a wonderful sense of humour that brought happiness into people’s lives" family members said in the statement.

"This was the first time that Katie had ever been to a music festival. That Friday evening she left her Mum, Dad and brother, with whom she lived, with eager anticipation. Her closest friends say that Katie was not a regular drug user and they, and her family are at a loss to understand why this tragedy has happened.

"Her family are keen to express their wholehearted gratitude to the emergency and medical services who tried their utmost to avoid this tragic end to a beautiful young life."

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Police said the case had now been transferred to the coroner.

Festival Organiser Andy Smith said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident which occurred at the festival, which happened on Friday night on what was otherwise a successful event."

"We send our deepest condolences to family and friends."

Pay tribute to Katie on our newsroom blog.  Click here