Forum Birmingham issues statement after 22-year-old dies having been taking ill at venue, investigation launched

The operators of nightclub Forum Birmingham have issued a statement saying they are devastated by the death of a 22-year-old man who was taken ill at their venue last weekend.

West Midlands Police, who are investigating his passing, believe that the man and two others, both aged 20, may have taken drugs at the club when they visited on Saturday, 26th October for the DnB Allstars Halloween 360° event. The two other men were also treated at hospital but have both since been discharged.

The venue’s license has been temporarily suspended by the city council while local authorities carry out inquiries into the death. Police had alleged that the club “may have had an inadequate search regime in place”.

Writing on Instagram, Forum Birmingham said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of a man who we were devastated to learn passed away in hospital on Saturday. He became unwell in the venue and was helped by our medical team before being taken to hospital by ambulance. We have all been deeply affected by this tragedy as, we know, have many in our wider community.

“We are working closely with the local public authorities to fully understand the circumstances and ensure that we continue to provide the safest possible environment for patrons, as we have done over the last three years. We accept the council’s decision to temporarily suspend the venue’s premises license while we complete this process and we are committed to putting in place any necessary additional measures.”

Police said a post-mortem examination of the deceased man would be held soon and officers were in contact with the area coroner.

The death comes amid recent warnings about high-strength MDMA pills currently in circulation in the UK following a rise in related hospitalisations.