A promising young football coach from Hastings has died after consuming a contaminated MDMA pill on New Year's Eve, with his family suggesting the lower cost compared to alcohol may have been a factor.
A Life Full of Promise Cut Short
Kieran Bassett, a 20-year-old car insurance adviser and avid Brighton & Hove Albion fan, passed away in hospital on New Year's Day. The tragedy unfolded after he reportedly took an ecstasy tablet during pre-drinks at a friend's house on December 31st.
His father, Mark Bassett, told the Daily Mail that his son was 'flourishing' and had 'just found his path in life'. Kieran, who lived with his mother and brother, had recently received a mini-promotion at Hastings Direct Insurance, where he had worked for 18 months, and was excited about mentoring new staff.
Beyond his job, Kieran's passion was football. He managed the under-11s team at Hollington Hawks Youth Football Club and was planning to earn his coaching badges, aiming to become a third-generation coach following his father and grandfather. He also dreamed of travelling abroad to volunteer and help build schools.
The Fatal Night and Hospital Battle
After taking the pill, Kieran's condition deteriorated rapidly. He developed an 'exceptionally high' temperature and 'went downhill quickly' before his heart stopped. An ambulance rushed him to Conquest Hospital shortly after midnight on New Year's Day.
Doctors placed him on life support, including a ventilator and dialysis machines, in a desperate attempt to clean his blood. However, they were unable to stabilise his blood pressure, and his organs failed. Medical staff indicated that had he survived, he would likely have suffered significant brain damage.
Mark Bassett described the horrific scene at his son's bedside, a haunting image he says he will never forget. 'One of the most haunting images... was of him laying there, his life ebbing away from him, and his nose just running with blood and mopping it,' he said. 'Me and his mum were just mopping away the blood. It was horrific.'
A Father's Warning and a Legacy for Kieran
Mr Bassett believes the high cost of a night out drinking may have influenced his son's decision. 'Christmas is an expensive time... Now the price of bars, clubs, and £7 or £8 pints means you can easily spend £100 on a night out, whereas you can get the same buzz... out of a tablet,' he explained. 'The trouble is that people make these tablets as cheap as possible and God only knows what they are putting in them.'
Police have indicated it is highly likely the pill was tainted or laced with another substance. Kieran's father has issued a stark warning to other young people: 'It's just not worth it. You don't know what you're putting in your body.' He urged friends to intervene if they know someone is considering taking drugs, even if it risks the friendship. 'You may lose a friend but you may stop someone losing their life.'
The family now aims to create a lasting legacy for Kieran, using his story as a catalyst to deter others from drug use. A GoFundMe page has been established in his honour, with funds directed to Hollington Hawks Youth Football Club to support grassroots football.
The football club paid tribute, stating: '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.'
