Students and staff offered support after teen’s death

Tuesday 18 February 2020

Students and staff at Highlands College are being offered support after a young man sadly died from suspected drug use, as tributes pour in for the "lovely young soul".

19-year-old James Le Bourgeois passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning in St. Lawrence and those who knew him are now being offered support to process the news.

While the college is closed during the half-term break, they have circulated the contact information of various other support services for staff and students needing counselling or advice after James’s death.

Posting on social media, Highlands included contact details for the Youth Service’s YES Project, the Listening Lounge and the Samaritans.

This comes as tributes to the young man pour in from members of the public. 

One commenter wrote: “A lovely young soul with his whole life ahead of him, cruelly whipped away. I’m so sorry you lost your life, James and to your parents, family and friends I send my heartfelt sympathies. Such a devastating loss for you all.”

Another said: “Such sad and heart-breaking news. You were always a welcome visitor to our home, James. Always full of fun and joking… Our thoughts are with your family at this devastating time. Rest peacefully James. You will be deeply missed”.

One of James’s school friends added his tribute, saying: “Nothing will ever fill the hole you’ve left behind, man, it was an honour being able to grow up by your side.” 

His employers, 4Group also posted a tribute to James - their "youngest 4hire family member" - who worked with them as an apprentice mechanic.

Following James’s death, the Government of Jersey are warning islanders against taking MDMA.

They advise that “anyone who feels unwell after taking the drug, or who has concerns about the wellbeing of someone they know, should seek urgent medical attention or call 999".

James’s “sudden death” has sparked a large-scale Police probe that has so far resulted in the arrest of seven people. Cash and drugs have also been seized from a number of properties as part of the “fast-moving” investigation.

One of those arrested, 20-year-old Rorey Allo, has been charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, though the alleged offence is not understood to be directly related to the 19-year-old's death.

Mr Allo appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. 

Three other males were sent to hospital on Saturday believed to be suffering the effects of the Class A drug, and later discharged.