Student dies after taking ecstasy for the first time in 'final fling' before graduation

Joana Burns had just completed her maths degree from Sheffield Hallam University

A total of £1,275 has been raised in donations for Ms Burns’ memorial fund (Getty Images / iStock)

A 22-year-old student from Sheffield Hallam University has died after taking MDMA for a “final fling” to celebrate the end of her degree.

Joana Burns had just completed her maths degree and was celebrating at The Foundry at the University of Sheffield’s Students’ Union, when she took the drug for the first time.

The substance is commonly known as ecstasy and was bought by Ms Burns and her friends for £7 each, a police report said.

Ms Burns was apparently not a regular drug user and it has been reported there was an “understanding” that her group of friends would use the substance on this one occasion.

"It was just supposed to be a one-off, 'final fling' to finish university,” a friend told the BBC.

Ms Burns was rushed to hospital after falling ill, while another woman is in critical condition after also taking the drug.

Police chiefs have called for a review into the club’s licence after a large quantity of drugs was seized at the venue on the night Ms Burns died.

A total of £1,275 has been raised in donations for Ms Burns’ memorial fund, which will provide drug awareness education for students at Sheffield Hallam University.

A tribute on the JustGiving page says: "Joana was a wonderful young woman with so much to look forward to.

"She will be missed not only by her family and friends but by everyone who knew her."