A HEARTBROKEN father yesterday recalled his daughter’s “contagious smile” as he spoke of the teenager’s shock death from a drug overdose at an Albury party.
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Andrew Harper’s daughter, Cassandra, died in The Austin hospital in Melbourne on Saturday, three days after ingesting what police believe was liquid ecstasy.
The 18-year-old was among four people who collapsed within minutes of taking the drug at an Olive Street home.
She did not regain consciousness.
Miss Harper’s stunned family told The Border Mail such experimentation was out of character for the fun-loving teen, who was described by half-sister, Skye Butler, as “a rock”.
“She was lucky because she filled a lot of hearts,” she said.
Miss Harper’s parents have been separated for several years; in all, she leaves behind four siblings.
Her mother, Patricia
Veldums, lives in Canberra and penned an emotional tribute for The Border Mail, in which she described her daughter as an angel.
“Like an angel shining bright, she will always shine in our hearts,” she wrote.
Miss Harper was born in Canberra and moved to Albury-Wodonga when she was seven.
She attended Murray High School in year 7 and later toured Victoria, performing plays with Highwater Theatre.
The teenager studied hairdressing at TAFE and also worked at a retirement village when she was younger.
Mr Harper said the news of the overdose had left the family reeling.
“We didn’t realise that anything like that could happen to our beautiful girl,” he said.
“It wasn’t like it was the norm at all.
“She just had a few drinks and fun since she turned 18 — wanted to use that ID card.
“That’s the hardest thing to get out of your mind; it’s that one instant.”
Mr Harper said he hoped his daughter’s death would serve as a warning for other young people considering experimenting with drugs.
“Just say no, it’s not worth it,” he said.
“We really miss her. We wouldn’t wish this on any other family.”
Ms Butler spoke of Miss Harper’s strength — the family believes the teen waited until her sibling had arrived to say goodbye before giving up her fight for life.
“I turned up and they said she had minutes,” Mr Harper said.
“But the thing is, she hung on until Skye got there, all day. She wanted to see her.”
Mr Harper also thanked those who had offered support to the family throughout the ordeal, especially the medical staff who tried to save his daughter’s life.
“We’ve been overwhelmed, actually; every-one’s been really good,” he said.