Tributes to teenager who died after collapsing

Published on 21/03/2013 09:20

SCHOOL friends have held a minute’s silence in tribute to a 17-year-old boy who died after collapsing at home.

Hearts fan Daniel Stavert passed away the day before he was due to watch his team in the League Cup final at Hampden.

His family have been left devastated by the tragedy. A post-mortem has still to be carried out to establish the cause of death.

Daniel, from Broxburn, was rushed to hospital in the early hours of Saturday after being taken ill at the house he shared with dad Paul, 41, mum Barbara, 43, and sister Darcie, 15. He died later that day.

Friends with whom he had been due to watch the Hearts v St Mirren clash laid a floral tribute on his seat at Hampden.

Fellow pupils at Broxburn Academy paid tribute by wearing black ties to school on Monday. And a minute’s silence was observed by the whole school. Floral tributes and messages were also left on the football pitch.

Headteacher Peter Reid said: “We were all very shocked to hear about Daniel. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very sad time.

“The whole school is devastated. Daniel was a universally popular pupil and a real sports leader who loved football.

“Flowers and cards were laid at the football pitch by pupils from all year groups.

“We will be presenting the family with a book of messages and memories from Daniel’s friends and teachers. We have arranged support for any pupils who need it.”

Daniel played in midfield or defence for the under-19 team at Broxburn Athletic Colts, where his dad is a coach.

Club president James Pegg, who is a close family friend, said they were already planning how to honour Daniel’s memory.

He said: “To me he was just such a lovely kid and was well-loved by everyone at the club.

“Daniel was a friend to everybody. He always had kind words to say and you never heard him say anything bad about anyone.

“The club as a whole has been left devastated by what has happened.

“He was such a positive young man and I am sure he had a great future ahead of him before he was suddenly taken from us. He had been at the club since he was just a little kid and he loved his football.”

Friends also left messages on a Facebook tribute page, which has been viewed by over 31,000 people. Julie Williamson wrote: “Such a gentle, loving, caring, genuine young man that’s been taken from us far too soon. So blessed to have had him in our lives, never gone, always in our hearts and thoughts, heaven just gained a very special angel.”

Caitlin Berridge wrote: “We’re all gonna miss him, he brought a smile to everyone’s faces without trying. One of those people everyone loves.”