On New Year’s Eve Kieran Bassett, from Hastings, was pre-drinking with friends when it is believed he took an ecstasy tablet – his health deteriorated and he was rushed to hospital
The father of a young football coach who died after taking MDMA pill because it was cheaper than drinking has issued a desperate warning to other parents.
On New Year’s Eve Kieran Bassett, from Hastings, was at his friends house enjoying pre-drinks when it is believed he took an ecstasy tablet. In a very short space of time his condition deteriorated and he was rushed to Conquest Hospital where he was put on life support machines.
Despite the best efforts of medical teams Kieran could not be saved and was pronounced dead a short while later. His greiving father Mark Bassett has opened up about the day he lost his son and his aim to deter other kids from doing drugs.
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His father Mark Bassett told MailOnline: “A pill being much cheaper than alcohol is the only reason I can think of that he would ever consider taking the drug because he had so much to live for.” He added: “The police have said that it’s highly likely there was something wrong with the pill. It was tainted or laced with something else.”
Mr Bassett said: “One of the most haunting images that I don’t think I will ever get out of my mind was of him laying there, his life ebbing away from him, and his nose just running with blood and mopping it. Me and his mum were just mopping away the blood. It was horrific.”
He urged young people to look out for their friends and stop them from taking the drug, saying: “It’s just not worth it. You don’t know what you’re putting in your body. And if your friends are thinking of taking it, don’t be afraid to tell them to stop and to tell their parents too. You may lose a friend but you may stop someone losing their life.”
His dad added: “‘Our ambition as a family now moving forward is to create a legacy for Kieran, and to use his story as a catalyst to try and deter other kids from doing drugs.”
The 20-year-old, who worked as a car insurance renewals adviser, managed the under-11 team at Hollington Hawks Youth Football Club and was planning to earn his coaching badges. The club said: “”Kieran was more than just a coach — they were a mentor, a role model, and a constant source of encouragement for our children.
“The time, energy, and love they gave to the U-11s team will never be forgotten, and their impact will live on in every player they helped shape.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Kieran’s family, friends, players, and everyone whose life they touched during this incredibly difficult time.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up in Kieran’s honour, and any funds raised will go to the football club to continue providing grassroots youth football, his family confirmed.
You can donate to the GoFundMe page by clicking here.
