Family still wanting answers after daughter’s death
The funeral of a student from Yorkshire, who collapsed and died after her drink was allegedly laced with a deadly concoction of drugs whilst at a carnival in Germany, has taken place this week.
Family and friends of Jane Khalaf gathered at Stirley Hill Cemetery on Monday 8th December, with some travelling hundreds of miles to attend an emotional farewell to the local teenager.
The 19-year-old, from Huddersfield, was taken to St Marien Hospital in Cologne last month after telling friends she thought her drink had been spiked and it was there that the Northumbria University student collapsed.
Her conditioned worsened and she was put on a life-support machine after being transferred to the Kliniken der Stadt Koln on 12th November, before sadly passing away eight days later.
Jane’s distraught parents, who own a restaurant in Huddersfield, say they are furious at the way they were treated by German authorities, who did not alert them of their daughter’s condition.
“The way we were treated and the way her case has been dealt with in Germany was appalling,” Rojin Khalaf, Jane’s mother, said.
“No one rang to tell us that she had been taken ill in hospital despite the fact she had her driving licence on her as ID. We found out through Facebook.
“She was a very sensible girl and very anti drugs so we are confident that her drink was spiked.
“A horrendous experience has been made so much worse by the frustration they’ve caused us and we just want answers. It’s terrible and we can’t believe what has happened.
“When we found out how serious the situation was we just hoped for a miracle. But it didn’t happen.”
Mrs Khalaf added: “She was such an intelligent, ambitious, funny and happy person who was so full of life and hoped to become involved in politics and was good at everything.
“But really there are no words that can properly describe her.”
Tests on Jane’s blood in Germany found levels of amphetamine and ecstasy whilst her body has now been flown back to the UK where Home Office pathologists will carry out further tests.
A Northumbria University spokesperson passed on their condolences to the family.
“We can confirm that one of our students has tragically passed away while studying at a partner university in Germany,” a statement read.
“Representatives from Northumbria University have met with the family and we continue to offer support at this difficult time.
“We are in contact with the authorities in Germany and the UK, and stand ready to assist further where we can.”
Jane, who had a Kurdish background, was well-known for being a campaigner for the rights of the Kurds, and had spoken at a rally at St George’s Square in Huddersfield in the summer.
