Police investigating the death of a 13-year-old teenager have confirmed they are looking for the dealer who gave him drugs.
Lewis School Pengam pupil Carson Price, 13, was taken to University Hospital Wales on Friday, April 12, where he was pronounced dead. Emergency services were called to the park after Carson was found at around 7.20pm.
Superintendent Nick McLain, of Gwent Police, said: “This is a difficult time for Carson’s family and friends, school friends and for the community of Ystrad Mynach.
“That said, we are aware that there has been a lot of speculation about the cause of death in the media and on social media which I feel it is important to address.
“At this moment, we are still awaiting official medical confirmation about how Carson died, which may take some time. Until then we cannot confirm that taking drugs caused Carson’s death. What we do know, tragically, is that Carson died in the public park and our enquiry does focus on illegal drugs being a contributing factor.
“Our enquiries to date have indicated that drugs were supplied prior to him visiting the park and as a result, our investigation is broader than Ystrad Mynach and our enquiries are extended throughout the Caerphilly borough area. We are particularly interested in Carson’s movement prior to him visiting the park that night.”
Carson’s mother, Tatum Chynene Price, used Facebook to make a plea to police.
Commenting on a public Gwent Police Facebook appeal post, she wrote: “Please help find out he [sic] sold these drugs to my son…my life is ruined my baby gone.”
The family have since issued a tribute through Gwent Police describing Carson as “a cheeky little boy”.
They said: “Carson was bright and caring, kind and loving, he was a cheeky little boy. He was the best big brother and was loved and will be missed by so many.”
The wider community is showing their support with an online social media campaign which has seen people use a blue heart for their profile picture.
A balloon release in memory of Carson is also due to be held on Thursday at 4.30pm at Ystrad Mynach Park.