The son of a Scottish Government minister has died while on holiday in Amsterdam, with Dutch police linking the tragedy to “hard drug” use.
Charlie Haughey, the 20-year-old son of Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey, died at the weekend.
He was reportedly found in the room of a hostel on Spuistraat in central Amsterdam – near tourist attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s house – on Saturday morning.
Charlie’s older brother Sean broke the news on social media yesterday, saying the family was “devastated at the loss of a brother, son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend”.
He added: “For those who aren’t already aware, over the weekend we received the news that my brother Charlie Haughey had passed away Saturday morning while on holiday with his friends.
“A further post will be made when funeral arrangements are finalised for those wanting to attend.
“As you can imagine, we’re all devastated at the loss of a brother, son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.
“We have been very grateful for all the kind messages and support we’ve received over the past couple of days.”
Police in the Dutch capital confirmed that Charlie, originally from Australia, was discovered at around 11am and that an investigation had been launched.
Officers said they attended the hostel after the 20-year-old had become unwell and emergency services had been called. However, by the time police and paramedics arrived, Charlie was already dead.
A probe is under way to determine the cause of death.
Police said they were taking into account the possibility that the use of “hard drugs” may have played a role in Charlie’s death. According to Dutch law, these include substances such as heroin, cocaine, LSD,
amphetamine and ecstasy.
It is with great sadness that we write this post to advise that our MSP Clare Haughey's son, Charlie, passed away this weekend. We are devastated for Clare and her family at this incredibly difficult time & will now take a break from social media over the next few days.
— Rutherglen SNP (@RutherglenSNP) July 29, 2019
The Foreign Office said it was supporting Ms Haughey’s family following her son’s tragic death.
A spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a man following his death in Amsterdam and our staff are in contact with the police.”
One of three sons, Charlie also leaves behind his father, Paul, a community psychiatric nurse, and brother Michael.
Charlie is understood to have attended Trinity High School in the town before beginning his studies at Strathclyde University. He also holds Australian citizenship, with the Dutch press reporting his other nationality when news broke locally on Sunday.
An MSP since 2016, Ms Haughey is the party’s mental health minister and worked for the NHS before beginning her parliamentary career.
Following news of her son’s death, colleagues expressed their condolences.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led the messages of support at what she called a “desperately sad time”. She added: “My thoughts – and those of all of us in the SNP – are with Clare and her family at this desperately sad time.
“I know they will be grateful for privacy as they try to come to terms with their loss.”
Justice Secretary and Glasgow Govan MSP Humza Yousaf wrote on social media: “Devastated to hear this tragic news about my friend and colleague Clare Haughey MSP, one of the nicest people I know.
“I cannot imagine the unbearable pain she and her family are going through at the sad passing of her son Charlie.
“My thoughts and prayers are very much with Clare and her family.”
Rutherglen’s Labour MP Ged Killen wrote on Twitter: “I am terribly saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey’s son, Charlie.
“My deepest condolences go to Clare and her family at this incredibly difficult time.”
The SNP’s Rutherglen branch said: “It is with great sadness that we write this post to advise that our MSP Clare Haughey’s son, Charlie, passed away this weekend. We are devastated for Clare and her family at this incredibly difficult time.”
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