Boy, 15, who died in York is named by police – School is ‘devastated’

The boy who died in York on Sunday was this afternoon named by North Yorkshire Police.

He was 15-year-old Josh Reeson, from New Earswick.

Josh died in hospital after being found at 4am on Sunday in an alley off Hospital Fields Road.

North Yorkshire Police said: “We are now in a position to name the boy who tragically died on Sunday 27 September 2020, after taking illegal drugs.

“He was Josh Reeson, aged 15, from the New Earswick area of York.

“We ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely devastating time and that the media, nor any other agency, try to contact them.”

Caring and thoughtful

Josh was a Year 10 student at Joseph Rowntree School.

Head teacher Dave Hewitt said: “We are devastated to confirm the death of one of our students and our thoughts and prayers are with their family and all who knew them at this very sad time.

“We are providing all the support we can to those at the school with counselling and emotional support available for any student or member of staff who needs this.

“We ask that everyone respects the privacy of the family and our school at this incredibly sad and difficult time.”

In a letter to parents, Mr Hewitt said: “Josh had been a pupil at our school for three years and had touched the lives of his friends and teaching staff with his caring and thoughtful personality.

“Josh was seen by many as a very good friend who was always there to support them. We are all devastated by his untimely death.”

Six people between the ages of 14 and 37 were arrested on suspicion of drugs supply offences in connection with his death.

Today police said two 14 year old boys who were arrested have now been released under investigation, but four others are still in custody.