Mum tells of heartbreak after teen's MDMA death in Exeter

The family of a girl who died after taking drugs at a nightclub in Exeter have paid tribute to her. Lucy Hill, a 16-year-old from Exmouth, collapsed after taking MDMA at the Move venue on Exeter Quay in December 2022.

Lucy's mother and sister have said the loss has been "devastating" and they wish they could "have her back". The teenager was described as a "beautiful little girl" and her death has "left the biggest hole" in their lives.

Lucy, with a group of friends, took one or two MDMA tablets before attending an under-18s event at the Move nightclub. Around 12.30am on Saturday, December 3, emergency services were called to reports of a teenage girl becoming ill. Lucy died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Two teens, James Graves, 19, of Hatt, Cornwall, and Taylor Rowsell, 18, of Rosebery Road, Exmouth, have been sentenced after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of drugs to teenagers.

In a statement, Debbie Hill, Lucy’s mother, said: “The loss of Lucy has been devastating. To lose your daughter, that’s just the most awful thing that could happen to anybody. I just wish I could have her back...

“Our lives have now completely changed forever. We’ve lost our beautiful little girl… It’s just devastating for all of us; for Chloe, her sister, for her dad Chris. What has happened has left the biggest hole in my heart that I know will never heal...

“Lucy was the most kind and caring person, and so sweet natured. I cling on to the memories of her. I will never be able to give her a hug again, never ask her how her day’s been, how school was that day. Everything’s just been taken away from us and I can never more be part of her life.”

Lucy’s sister Chloe said in her victim personal statement: “No day gets any easier nor does the pain ever fade. I would do anything to have Lucy back by my side. Life is so hard without Lucy. I lost my best friend. My heart aches and the loss never leaves my mind. I miss doing everything with you...

“Every court date has been a hurdle in our journey of healing, a hurdle that takes us all back to the unforgivable night you both supplied the drug to Lucy. Our lives have changed in ways you’ll never feel because of the decisions you both chose to make; I now have to live a life without my little sister because of the path you both chose to take.

“Not only have your actions and decisions taken Lucy away from this world but you’ve also robbed me of my life. A life without Lucy by my side.”

James Greaves and Taylor Rowsell were sentenced at Exeter Crown Court for supplying the MDMA tablets. The court learned that Greaves had given the drugs to Rowsell, who then sold them during a youth event at the club where alcohol was not available.

Rowsell profited about £350 from selling the pills to attendees, including Lucy and her friends. Both Rowsell and Greaves, who were minors at the time of the crime, previously pleaded guilty to supplying class A drugs.

Greaves was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in a young offenders’ institution and Rowsell was sentenced to two years when they appeared before His Honour Judge James Adkin at Exeter Crown Court today, Monday, November 4.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Sally Johns, said: “The family of Lucy Hill have been devastated through Lucy’s loss. Our Devon and Cornwall Police detectives have supported them throughout, conducting a protracted and thorough investigation to understand what led to Lucy’s death.

“Lucy was not a routine drug user, she was simply a young girl embarking on life, looking forward to the future ahead of her. That evening an error of judgement in young minds, led to Lucy’s future being cut so tragically short. This could be the case for anyone’s child or young adult.

“We have seen that these substances can kill many times, and this is another tragic case. You don’t know what illegal drugs contain or what reaction you may have to them - but it could be fatal. I urge anyone considering taking drugs to think twice and reconsider.

“I also ask that parents have open and honest conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs, even if you think this does not apply to them. Tell them about Lucy. Doing so may save the life of your son or daughter, someone’s sister, brother or friend.

“Anyone who gets involved in illegal drug dealing can expect the full attention of the police. Vital information to help understand the dangers and types of drugs is available on the Talk to Frank website.”