THE mother of a north Belfast man who died from a suspected heroin overdose has made a heartfelt plea to other young people to stay away from drugs.
Kathie Deeney was speaking yesterday following the death of her son Fergal who was found unresponsive in the garden of a property in Stanhope Street in the Carrick Hill area on Sunday night.
It is understood that three other people who were at a gathering in the property remain in a serious condition in hospital.
Telling of her "absolute devastation" Ms Deeney said her son, aged in his 20s, had become a heroin user after taking prescription drugs including Xanax and other tablets.
Saying her family was "absolutely devastated" she told how her son's drug use had spiralled since he left home.
"He started off smoking cannabis and went onto tablets like 'blues' and Xanax. I had him on the straight and narrow, but as soon as he moved out he went into a downward spiral," she told UTV.
"He was the life and soul of the party. He was no angel, but he had a good heart and would have helped anyone. He was a brilliant son. I don't know how we are going to cope."
In an appeal to others facing drug addiction, Ms Deeney added: "Try and get help straight away. You never think it's going to come to your own door."
North Belfast Sinn Féin councillor JJ Magee said: "This death is an absolute tragedy for the family and friends of man and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult time.
“I also wish the others currently in hospital a full recovery."
The councillor said a spate of deaths linked to drugs called for new approach from professionals.
"We've got to the stage now where drugs are a serious problem across the area of Belfast," he said.
"We have had a lot of drug deaths recently. We need to put the resources into where they need to be and we need to get professionals around the table.
"We also need help from everybody. This is teamwork. It needs the whole community to join together and help those in need. This touches all communities, it touches all neighbourhoods and all streets."
SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said it was clear Belfast had a drug problem but users were often left without support or guidance.
"The amount of drugs on the streets is scary and many people that use drugs don't know where to go for help and support.
"Belfast has the highest rates of drugs deaths and that was widely published last November.
"Addiction is a massive issue today in society. It's an epidemic, I believe it has gone beyond an epidemic."
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