EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to a teenager who died after taking suspected ecstasy tablets just a few days before her 19th birthday.
Ana Hick (18) became ill at the Twisted Pepper nightclub in Dublin city centre in the early hours of Saturday. She died later in hospital.
The teenager had been a pupil at Loreto Abbey Dalkey, Co Dublin, and was recently studying in the Irish Film Academy in Dublin.
Bosses at the nightclub said everyone was deeply saddened by the death.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ana's family and friends at this tragic time," the Twisted Pepper said.
"We are working closely with the authorities and out of respect for Ana and her family we cannot comment further at this time."
Gardaí said the teenager was in a serious condition when emergency services were called to the nightclub at 3am on Saturday.
She was treated in the Mater Hospital but died late on Sunday afternoon.
It is understood Ms Hick was due to turn 19 today.
Officers from Store Street Garda Station are leading the investigation and a post mortem, including toxicology tests, will be carried out to determine the cause of death.
The force also issued a statement to say it has not made any official comment on whether any contaminated drugs are for sale in Dublin or anywhere else and issued a warning to drug users.
"All controlled drugs are toxic and dangerous and should not be taken," it said.
The teenager's parents, Tim and Elga, have appealed for privacy.
The Loreto school management, principal, staff and students offered their sympathies to the teenager's family, friends and class of 2014.
The school said the teenager's parents were in their thoughts.
"We remember her parents. The depth of the loss they must be feeling today is unimaginable. May they find support in the people around them," the school said.
"And we remember Ana's friends both here in school and far beyond - she loved and appreciated you and our prayers are with you today too."
Rachel Sarah Murphy, founder and director of the Irish Film Academy, also paid a heartfelt tribute to the teenager, describing her as positive, fun-loving and sweet with an infectious laugh.
"She was one of life's beautiful people," she said.
