Footballer Riki Stephens’ life support turned off after Gold Coast overdose

VICTORIAN footballer Riki Stephens’ has died in hospital nearly a week after overdosing on drugs, police have confirmed.

Riki Stephens.

VICTORIAN footballer Riki Stephens’ has died in hospital nearly a week after overdosing on drugs, police have confirmed.

The 27-year-old was one of several people taken to hospital in a serious condition after allegedly consuming a dangerous drug that is believed to have led to his death.

Police toxicology results indicated people ingested a cocktail of amphetamine-type substances including MDMA, as well as a synthetic form of LSD known as ‘N bomb’.

Stephens was staying at the Islander in Surfers Paradise when he overdosed on Saturday night.

Two men have been charged with supplying dangerous drugs and investigations are continuing.

Superintendent Michelle Stenner warned the community of the serious and potentially fatal effects of taking dangerous drugs.

“Illicit drugs are dangerous and can be deadly. You do not know what you are taking and how you will react,” Supt Stenner said.

“These drugs are manufactured substances made in backyard laboratories using concocted recipes. What you think you are buying may not be what you are administering,” she said.

Stephens died in Gold Coast University Hospital.

Facebook pictures of Riki Stephens with a friend.

The news prompted friends and teammates to flood his Facebook page with tributes.

“Rest easy Riki Stephens a great bloke who’s life has been taken far to early. Thoughts go out to the Stephens family and friends,” wrote Heath George.

Friend Luke Jackson said he was “a jet of a bloke who will be missed so dearly” while Billy Barden said it was “only a few weeks ago we were having a beer on your deck watching the footy mate! RIP Riki Stephens!”

Riki Stephens is understood to have had his life support turned off last night.

Sarah Beattie wrote “RIP Riki Stephens. it is truly devastating! Thoughts are with his friends and family at this tough time.”

Mr Stephens was staying at the Islander with his Heathcote Saints Football Club teammates celebrating the end of the season when it is understood he took the deadly substance along with two of his friends on Saturday night.

Tributes have poured in for Riki Stephens.

There were 16 reports of drug overdoses in Surfers Paradise, Labrador and Mermaid Waters last weekend.

Police yesterday confirmed toxicology results indicated those tested ingested a cocktail of amphetamine-type substances (ATS) including methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), as well as a synthetic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), also known as N bomb.

These tests found no trace of α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone, known as “flakka”.

Family and friends have paid tribute to Riki Stephens