A 14-year-old Scots schoolboy killed himself just days after the death of his doting grandfather.
Grief-stricken Matt Lochrie is understood to have hanged himself at his home in Galashiels, Scottish Borders, on Sunday morning.
The talented rugby player and footballer was utterly distraught following the death of his grandfather, Jimmy Lochrie, just two days earlier.
A YouTube tribute page to the tragic teenager has already attracted more than 15,000 hits.
And grieving friends have flooded a Facebook page with tributes to the third year pupil at Galashiels Academy.
However, it has also emerged that police are investigating abusive messages that were also posted on the site.
The headteacher of his school, Kenny McKay, described the teen as “enthusiastic” and “popular”.
He said: “Matt was an enthusiastic boy who very much enjoyed his sport, representing the school at both football and rugby. He also enjoyed cricket, playing locally, and was by all accounts a very skilful sportsman.
“Matt was a popular boy, both with his peers and with the students of other year groups – and he’ll be greatly missed.
“The students of the academy have reacted to this sad news with dignity and respect. They are pulling together to support each other through this difficult time. Their response is an indication of the high record with which they held Matt.
“The whole of the community that is Galashiels Academy have Matt and his family in their thoughts just now, and offer their sincere condolences to them at this terrible loss.”
Tributes
Police were called to the boy’s home at 8.20am on Sunday. According to unverified reports on social media he had hanged himself.
Jadey Towson said: “R.I.P Matt thoughts go out to your family and friends, you will be sadly missed by everyone and your cheeky smile that everyone said you had!”
Jane Allida Scott, also left a message on the site, saying: “There will always be a special place in my heart for you Matty. Don’t think I ever saw you without that cheeky wee grin on your have. Don’t stop smiling.”
One friend, Meghan Callaghan, said: “I looked in the sky and saw a new star gleaming through the mist I sat and stared at this star and then began to smile a tear ran down my check cause I knew it was you, shining down on us from heaven, so wherever I go I know that you are always with me R.I.P.”
A keen sportsman, the teenager played for Gala Red Triangle rugby club under-15’s and Galashields Academy team, where he was a pupil.
Ian Miller, Gala RFC youth development officer, said: “I coached him at Galashiels Academyas part of the under-15’s squad and he was a really nice kid, a cheeky chappie. He was always smiling and a pleasure to coach. He will be sadly missed by his team-mates as they were a tight group of players.”
Gala Red Triangle secretary Scott Mitchell, added: “The club offer their deepest sympathy to parents John and Jackie, and brother Brad, as well as its full support to other family members, friends and team-mates during this deeply traumatic time.”
A Scottish Borders Council Spokesman said the council was offering pupils counselling.
He said: “As with any tragic incident our education department is working closely with the school to offer a range of options to assist pupils during this difficult time, including counselling.”
