“His throat then became constricted”Harry (18) collapses and dies on vacation in Spain – family blames vape oil

Benidorm: Scot (18) dies on holiday after suspected reaction to vape oil – family warns against e-cigarettes

Doctors try to stabilize him, but Harry doesn't survive. A world collapses for the family. Speaking to metro.co.uk, his father Colin explains what they believe happened: “Harry had an allergic reaction to something. We think it came from his vape.” The teenager had recently bought a new vape oil in Benidorm – the only thing different from the liquids he usually uses.

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The father writes openly about why the family is going public: “If one thing comes from the loss of our boy Harry, it must be that we draw attention to the dangers of vapes and oils.”

Suspicion: reaction to newly purchased liquid

At the hospital, Harry says, according to his family, that he has only recently started using e-cigarettes more frequently and uses two different liquids – one of which he bought fresh in Benidorm. Shortly afterwards the dramatic symptoms appear, his throat swells and he struggles to breathe.

The preliminary autopsy results are available, but the cause of death has apparently not yet been clarified. One thing is clear to the relatives: Harry reacted to the new oil – an allergic or toxic reaction that cost him his life. Further investigations should now bring clarity.

Family launches appeal for donations – and hopes to raise awareness

Added to her pain is a bitter reality: the teenager dies abroad, the body has to be returned to Scotland, and the funeral has to be paid for. Relatives are launching an appeal for donations to cover the costs of repatriation and burial. Hundreds of people show sympathy, many know Harry as a helpful, happy boy who loved football and was in the middle of life.

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Father Colin uses the post not only to stop speculation, but as an appeal to other young people: There are “still far too many unknowns” surrounding vape oils and no long-term studies on their effects. His message: “Please don’t think that these oils are harmless.”

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What you should know about vapes and liquids abroad

The exact circumstances of Harry's death are continuing to be investigated – but one thing is clear: the case scares many parents and young people. What can be done to reduce risks?

• Avoid foreign liquids abroad: Different controls apply in many countries; counterfeit or “adulterated” oils may be in circulation. If in doubt, don't buy anything locally.

• Take ingredients seriously: Strongly flavored, very colorful liquids or extremely high nicotine levels are a warning sign – if you are unsure, it is better to stay away from them.

• Pay attention to warning signs: Shortness of breath, tightness in the throat, dizziness, racing heart after vaping are an emergency – get medical help immediately or call 911.

• Parents: Speak openly with children: bans alone are of little use. It is important to talk about risks, cheap liquids and mixed products from the Internet or from holiday destinations.

Harry's family says that if his death just stops one teenager from recklessly reaching for a “cheap holiday vape,” then there is at least a little meaning in this unfathomable tragedy.

Sources used: bbc.com, metro.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk