One of 15 people who fell ill after allegedly taking cocaine at a party in Waterford two weeks ago has died.
Kevin Doyle (21) from the Viewmount estate in the city died after his life support machine was turned off at Waterford Regional Hospital today.
John Grey (23) from Ballybeg remains of life support at the hospital. They fell ill at a birthday party for his brother their mother's home.
The Health Service Executive issued a statement this afternoon extending its sympathies to the family Mr Doyle. The coroner's office has been informed, it added.
Detectives have made a number of arrests since the incident on Saturday, November 25 th. They believe the cause was excessive intake after discounting the theory that the drug had been cut with the horse tranquilliser, ketamine.
The family of Mr Doyle said they were devastated by the death and urged people not to take potentially deadly substances.
"Kevin will always have a special place in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers - not only because of his untimely death but also because of the heroic manner in which he overcame life-threatening cancer," they said in a statement.
"He was a dearly loved son, brother and grandson and he will be sorely missed."
The family said Mr Doyle had a wonderful life ahead of him which he had only just had the opportunity to pursue after his brave battle with cancer.
"We sincerely hope that no family has to suffer the pain and anguish that we are going through," they said.
"We would earnestly ask all those - both young and old - who may be tempted to dabble in potentially lethal substances to simply say no. No amount of so-called fun is worth the loss of life that so often befalls young people in Ireland today."
The family said their thoughts were with the family of Mr Grey.
Additional reporting: PA