Shotts schoolgirl, 14, dies after collapsing in PE lesson

The girl fell ill after running an 800m race. Picture: TSPL

The pupil, named locally as Kiera Beagle, fell ill shortly after lunchtime yesterday at her school in Shotts, North Lanarkshire.

There were reports she was running an 800 metre race with fellow pupils in her class on the school sports field when she suddenly collapsed.

Shocked pupils watched as teachers administered first aid until paramedics arrived at the school.

Paramedics raced the schoolgirl to the new Royal Hospital for Children but she died shortly after arrival.

John Robertson, Head Teacher of Calderhead High School, paid tribute to the young girl. He said: “Everyone within our school community is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of one of our secondary two pupils.

“At this time all our thoughts and sympathy go out to her family and friends.

“We will provide our young people at Calderhead with our full support to help them at this most difficult time.”

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A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “A 14-year-old pupil at Calderhead High School, Shotts, was taken ill during a sports lesson this afternoon. “Staff called the emergency services and she was taken to hospital in Glasgow where, sadly, she died shortly afterwards.”

Emergency services were called to the school at around 2:30pm and the 14-year-old was airlifted to the Royal Hospital for Children. Police Scotland said the death is being treated as unexplained.

A spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that around 2:25pm, police and other emergency services were called to a report of a 14-year-old girl having taken unwell in Calderhead High School, Shotts.

“The girl was being taken by heli-med to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children for treatment. Sadly, she died shortly afterwards.

“The death is being treated as unexplained, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

“A post-mortem will be carried out in due course to establish the exact cause of death and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

Messages of condolence poured in via social media sites for the teenager.

Local MSP Alex Neil tweeted: “Absolutely shocked and saddened by news of the passing of a Calderhead High pupil. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”

Taking to Facebook, one woman wrote: “Thoughts go out to the girl’s friends and family who sadly passed away at Calderhead High. Soo soo sad.” Another said: “Ma heart goes out to friends and family of the wee girl that died at Calderhead today.

Another friend wrote: “Sending love to all the people who know her xx’ and Calvin Jay Neilson added: “Thoughts go out to all the family.”

The school is due to be closed on Friday and Monday for the bank holiday weekend but a spokesman said counselling services would be available for anyone who needed them.

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