Tributes to ‘one of a kind’ James (19) who died ‘after taking MDMA’

Tributes to ‘one of a kind’ James (19) who died ‘after taking MDMA’

James Le Bourgeois (19) has been described as ‘one of a kind’ who always lived life to the full. He died on Saturday morning after paramedics and the police were called to a home in St Lawrence. Three others were taken to hospital but have since been discharged.

Seven people have been arrested in connection with drug offences following the former ​Haute Vallée and Highlands IT student’s death. Quantities of drugs and cash were also seized during a series of targeted raids at properties across the Island.

The States police say that three of the arrests were directly linked to the events on Saturday morning. The other four individuals were arrested as part of a separate operation.

These include Rorey Allo (20) who appeared in the Magistrate’s Court charged with possessing 118 grams of MDMA with intent to supply. He was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance on 9 March when his case is due to be referred to the Royal Court.

The police say Mr Allo’s arrest is is not considered to be directly related to the St Lawrence incident but inquiries are continuing.

All of those arrested are aged between 17 and 31 and with the exception of Mr Allo have since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

School friend Mark Britton said he was heartbroken by his friend’s death – the second MDMA-related death in the Island in less than six months. Ashleigh Thomas Green (29) died from a ‘severe reaction’ to the drug in August.

Mr Britton (20) said of his friend, who worked for 4Hire: ‘James was one of a kind. There would never be a minute of the day where he was not smiling. He lived life to the fullest and lived it the way that he wanted to and that’s one of the things I’ll always take from James, to never do something because I had to but to always do what made you happy.’

Best friend Jasper Crocker Kilic said Mr Le Bourgois, was ‘a true hero, the light of so many lives, especially mine’.

He added: ‘James and I have been lifelong friends for more than 13 years. It shouldn’t be a secret that I loved him for being more than a friend and closer than family. We have experienced endless memories filled with excitement and thrill and they will be forever cherished. From the wide-scale ambitions of moving to America and forming a two-man rock band to the more cosy memories of our daily morning phone calls before school, there was no room for monotony in our friendship.

‘To picture a future without James at my side frightens me. However, he will remain in my thoughts and prayers.’

Local drug awareness group Weekend Welfare, which provides education and advice on illicit substances urged Islanders insistent on taking drugs to think about the potential consequences, take harm-reduction measures and consider dosage in light of the recent events. The not-for-profit organisation, backed by drug experts and health professionals, is exploring the idea of introducing voluntary drug-testing at events in Jersey – something which is already being implemented across the UK and Europe.

Islanders are being warned against the risk of taking MDMA and have urged anyone who feels unwell after taking any drug to seek urgent medical attention.

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