Teenage Brit dies on Benidorm holiday ‘after reaction to vape oil’

Harry was out for lunch when he had the deadly reaction (Picture: Family Handout/PA Wire)

A teenager died on holiday in Benidorm after a suspected reaction to vape oil, his family have said.

Harry Whitton, from Dundee, died in the Spanish tourist hotspot while he was with his girlfriend.

His father Chris Whitton revealed in a post on Facebook that the 18-year-old’s family believe he had a deadly reaction while out for lunch.

Discussing Harry’s post-mortem results, Chris said: ‘His throat has then constricted causing him problems breathing.

‘He also vomited which, in his struggle to breathe, has aspirated into his lungs.’

Chris said the family suspected the reaction was caused by his vape.

The dad continued: ‘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 and what [his girlfriend] was using.’

He added: ‘If one thing comes from the loss of our boy Harry, it has to be us highlighting the dangers of using vapes/oils etc… There are still far too many unknowns about these vape oils and no long term studies have been done on their effects.’

Harry had just finished his exams and was enjoying a summer holiday in Benidorm

His mum Debbie Bell told Metro the family would be ‘having the vape oil tested’ for ‘contained substance’ once they are back home in Scotland.

In a tribute on Facebook, she said the family’s ‘hearts are shattered’ and their world ‘turned upside down’.

Debbie added: ‘Our little drummer boy has passed away while living his best life on holiday with the love of his life.

‘We were all so proud of all that Harry had achieved, and we were all waiting to see how the next chapter would unfold in his future.

‘As a family we are here in Spain doing everything we can to get our boy home! We are together & supporting each other.’

The family has created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the 18-year-old to be repatriated.

In a statement on their GoFundMe page, the family said: ‘We should be arranging his surprise 18th, instead we will be home to arrange a funeral. It’s all just very unimaginable & feels very unreal.

‘We want to share with you all just how loved and special our boy truly was. Everything he done, he done with his cheeky character and pure heart and soul.’

Harry was described by Dundee FC as a ‘familiar and friendly face’ within the hospitality lounges at Dens Park where he worked.

The club said he was ‘highly valued by colleagues and warmly regarded by supporters’.

Its statement added: ‘We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Harry Whitton while on holiday in Spain.

‘Our thoughts are with Harry’s family, friends and everyone who knew him at this incredibly difficult time.’

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Benidorm and are in contact with the local authorities.’

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