The father of a teenager who died suddenly while on holiday in Benidorm has blamed counterfeit vape oils for the tragedy.
Incident Details
Harry Whitton, 18, was vacationing with his girlfriend Karina Sandeman when he suddenly fell ill and passed away shortly after. Preliminary post-mortem results revealed that his throat had constricted, causing breathing difficulties. He also vomited, leading to fluid aspiration into his lungs.
Father's Warning
Harry's father, Colin, spoke about the devastating event, stating his belief that the cause was a vape oil purchased in the Costa Blanca city. He said: "We received the preliminary post mortem results for Harry today and would like to share some info to warn everyone about the dangers of vaping. Harry took a reaction to something. We think it was his vape - he had recently bought a vape oil in Benidorm and it is the only difference between what he has been using. His throat has then constricted causing him problems breathing. He also vomited which, in his struggle to breathe, has aspirated into his lungs. If one thing comes from the loss of our boy Harry, it has to be us highlighting the dangers of using vapes and oils. There are still far too many unknowns about these vape oils and no long term studies have been done on their effects."
Family's Grief
The family has set up a fundraising page to repatriate Harry's body to Scotland, raising over £37,000 in a single day. In an emotional tribute, his mother Debbie said: "Our hearts are shattered and our world has been turned upside down. Our boy has passed away while living his best life on holiday with the love of his life, Karina. We were all so proud of all that Harry had achieved and we were waiting to see how the next chapter would unfold in his future. We should be arranging his surprise 18th, but instead we will be arranging a funeral. We want to share with you all just how loved and special our boy truly was. Everything he did, he did with his cheeky character and pure heart and soul."
Girlfriend Karina added: "I can't even begin to put into words how heartbroken I am not to be with you right now Harry, looking into your big beautiful blue eyes. You are my world and I promise everything that I do, I will do for you. You really were the cheekiest, most happiest boy I've ever met and forever making jokes. I will be forever be grateful for all the time I got to spend loving you and will always love you and cherish every memory we made, handsome."
