School friends mourn young footballer

Josh Fell, 15, had been playing in the grounds of his school on Thursday evening when he suddenly became ill, and despite his friends’ attempts to revive him, was pronounced dead in hospital a short time later.

Steve Lawrence, headteacher at Hornsea School and Language College, said he was a talented and committed student with a bright future.

“Josh Fell was a highly respected and very popular student at our school,” he said. “The news of his sudden collapse and subsequent death, whilst playing football with his school friends on Thursday night, has shocked us all. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

“Josh had 100 per cent attendance and an excellent attitude to learning, all contributing to a very bright future. PE was both a strength academically and a passion. My thanks and upmost respect goes to those with him on Thursday evening as they performed first aid and CPR, sadly to no avail.

“My further thanks go to those students at our school who have, at a time of great sadness, responded magnificently and with great humanity as they have supported each other. This is no less than we would expect from our young people and in doing so have shown great respect and love for Josh.”

Scores of tributes and messages of support for his family have also been posted on the social networking website Facebook.

One said: “R.I.P. Josh. Everyone cried for you today mate, it won’t be the same without you.”

A spokesman for Humberside Police said: “Inquiries into the incident are under way, however, there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances at this time.”