Northern Ireland's first minister is among those who have sent messages of sympathy to the family of Fermanagh teenager Oisin McGrath.
The 13-year-old schoolboy from Belcoo died at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital on Thursday.
He had been on a life support machine. It is understood his organs will be donated to help five people.
Oisin was taken to hospital after an incident at St Michael's College, Enniskillen, on Monday afternoon.
A 17-year-old boy, a sixth former at the school, was detained following the incident. He was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
St Michael's College will be closed in terms of classes on Friday, but counsellors will be available at the school to support those dealing with the teenager's death.
The school released a statement on Wednesday.
"Start Quote
End Quote Rev Macartan McQuaidHe was an only son, a bright, pleasant, cheerful, young boy. Our hearts go out to his parents and two young sisters. It is a day of great sadness and loss and grief in the school"
"A group of students were playing at lunchtime when one student became unwell and we sought medical assistance," it said.
"He was taken by ambulance to the South West Acute Hospital for medical help."
As news of Oisin's death broke on Thursday evening, First Minister Peter Robinson tweeted that it was "heartbreaking".
"I'll be praying for his family and all those devastated by this sad news," he said.
The chaplain at St Michael's, Rev Macartan McQuaid, said the atmosphere in the school was one of great sadness and enormous loss.
"He was an only son, a bright, pleasant, cheerful, young boy, " he said.
"Our hearts go out to his parents and two young sisters. It is a day of great sadness and loss and grief in the school.
"They are numbed. It must be an almost unbearable grief to accept what has happened."
Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has expressed her heartfelt sympathy to the family.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the McGrath family and I can't even begin to think of what they must be going through at this time," she said.
"The loss of a young life after such a tragic incident is devastating for the entire community; from his family to his schoolmates and his friends at Belcoo O'Rahillys Gaelic Athletic Club.
'Legacy'"I offer my sincerest sympathies to Oisín's parents Sharon and Nigel, his younger sisters Ciana and Cairenn and to their entire extended family.
"I have no doubt the community of Belcoo will come together to help them through this incredibly tough time."
Pat Ramsey, SDLP MLA, tweeted: "The legacy of Oisin McGrath lives on with a brave decision by his parents to donate their son's organs."
A notice on the St Michael's College website said it would be closed on Friday "in the light of the tragic events this week and the impact on the school community".
Police sent their sympathy to the family and friends of Oisin at what they said was "a very sad time".
A spokesperson said inquiries were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death. Police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
Sympathy for family of dead teenager
Put the internet to work for you.
0 comments:
Post a Comment