A young couple from Newport Beach in California were found dead side by side after a suspected double drug overdose.

Michelle Avila (23) and her boyfriend Christian Kent (20) were out partying the night they died. According to reports they’d decided not to drink too much because they’d both been sick with a cold and were taking antibiotics, Daily Mail reports.

The next day Michelle’s mother found both dead in Michelle’s childhood bed, Mirror UK reports.

“Two beautiful kids. It was like Romeo and Juliet,” Michelle’s father Paulo told the Coast Report Online, according to news.com.au. “They both died and they were hugging each other.

“Parents need to know their kids aren’t safe. This is the proof that what looks perfect isn’t perfect,” he added.

Although it will take a few months before the pair’s toxicology report is completed Paulo is certain Michelle and Christian died from a drug overdose after talking to police and experts, according to Daily Mail.

The couple’s death has brought attention to the growing problem of opioid addiction in the affluent beach community.

In a heartwarming post on Instagram, Michelle’s older sister Nicole paid tribute to her sibling.

“I’m shaken and heartbroken,” she wrote. “My family and I are sticking together through this difficult time and we’re awaiting the official news of how everything happened.

“We’re seeing everyone’s messages and we appreciate all the love and prayers. My baby sister is gone and Christian who I also loved. She’s resting in peace with her coffee, her music and with Christian. I’ll always love you my sister.”

Michelle’s friends have since started a GoFundMe campaign which Paulo hopes to use to start a programme to educate young people about drug use.

“My mission is to send a message,” he said, “to show how beautiful people can go through something like that.”

Sources: Daily Mail, Mirror, News.com