Fundraiser launched to support family of Washington teenager Mark Johnston who died in suspected drug tragedy

Mark Johnston – who passed away on Saturday, October 3 – was one of four young people who died in a suspected drug tragedy which has rocked the North East.

Tributes have flooded in for the teenager on social media and more than £450 has already been donated to an online fundraiser through GoFundMe, set up to support Mark’s family during this devastating time.

The page, organised by family friend Bradley Crow, said: “Tragically, on Saturday, October 3, a beautiful life was taking [sic] away from us.

"Mark Johnston was taking away [sic] from his family and friends so suddenly.

"I have set this page up to aid the family in this time, a time like this is hard enough but when it happens so unexpectedly it’s even more straining.

"His father and his family are friends of mine and friends of many and anything at all is greatly appreciated. Thanks all and may little Marky J rest in peace.”

Two memorial events are currently being arranged for family, friends and loved ones to pay tribute to the teenager.

A balloon release will take place outside the Co-op and The Tavern in Concord’s Front Street at 5pm on Saturday, October 10.

A second memorial, with a balloon release and candles, has also been arranged for at Barmston Park at 6pm on Friday, October 16 – although the date is subject to change.

Sunderland Coroner’s Office confirmed to the Echo that an inquest into Mark’s death has not been opened and a date has not yet been set.

A police investigation is ongoing into the circumstances around the teenager’s death. Hewas one of four young people to die over the weekend.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Just before 3.50pm on Saturday, we were called to a report of a cardiac arrest at a property on Coach Road Estate, Washington, where an 18-year-old had reportedly taken a quantity of MDMA and fallen ill.

"Officers and emergency services attended but the man, who is not a university student, was pronounced dead a short time after.”

Two women, both aged 18, and a 21-year-old also lost their lives in Newcastle.

To date, 11 people have been arrested by the force in connection with the four deaths.

An 18-year-old woman, a student at Newcastle University, was pronounced dead at an address on Richardson Road, Newcastle, after allegedly consuming a quantity of ketamine on Saturday, October 3.

The following day, emergency services were called to reports a 21-year-old man, a student from Northumbria University, had taken ill at an address on Melbourne Street, Newcastle, after allegedly taking MDMA.

He was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

On Sunday, October 4, police were called back to the same building on Newcastle’s Richardson Road where a second 18-year-old female student had died.

It is believed ketamine had been present at the address.

To donate to the Go Fund Me page click here.

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