Tragedy of seven-year-old boy found collapsed on pitch (From Warrington Guardian)

Tributes paid to Locking Stumps Primary School pupil

8:50am Thursday 19th April 2012 in News

STAFF and pupils at Locking Stumps Primary School have told of their shock after a seven-year-old pupil collapsed and died suddenly.

Ciaran Geddes was on his own playing football on an all-weather pitch on Glover Road when he suffered a suspected heart problem at 6.15pm on Tuesday.

The talented player, who is thought to have recently been spotted by scouts, was understood to have been found by a member of the public.

Flowers, teddy bears and football scarves have been left at the gates of the Locking Stumps Community Sports Area in Birchwood where Chester football club fan Ciaran was found.

The family said: “Ciaran was our young, rising star, he shined brightly in our lives.

"He was taken from us too soon but will never be far from our thoughts and dreams.

"His football was everything to him, and his beloved Chester FC. He lived with joy in his heart as well as a love for his family.

"His smile was infectious and it is how we will remember him. He will sleep soundly now. We miss you Boo and will see you again.”

Cards read: ‘RIP little man, taken far too soon. You will be dearly missed’, ‘Can’t believe you’re gone’ while a note with a picture of a football made by two children said, ‘We will miss you’.

Kevin Gribben, whose son Thomas, aged seven, was in the same year three class as Ciaran, described him as an ‘outgoing, lovely lad’.

He said: “It’s hit everyone in the area really hard.

“Normally you see people milling about but today it’s a ghost town.

“My son was good friends with him and we have had him at our house for birthday parties.

“He was a great little lad, always active and loved his football.”

Head teacher John Littler said: “The whole school community is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Ciaran and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

A spokesman said: “At 6.15pm on Tuesday, Cheshire Police and ambulance were called to Glover Road following a report of a seven-year-old boy who had collapsed. He was taken to Warrington Hospital where he sadly later died.

“A post mortem examination will take place in due course.”