Scots boy, 14, dies suddenly after collapsing when playing football with friends

A Scots schoolboy has tragically died after collapsing while playing a game of football. Corbin Jones, 14, from Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, passed away on Saturday, May 11.

The schoolboy had been playing on the grounds of Larkhall Academy with his friends when he suddenly became unwell. Emergency crews were called to the scene at 7.25pm and he was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

He was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. Police say his death is being treated as unexplained, however, there are no suspicious circumstances.

One parent on social media said Corbin's friends did all they could to help him. The S2 pupil at the school has also been remembered as a "very popular pupil" who was "happy, cheerful and polite".

Andy Smith, Larkhall Academy head teacher, said: “Our school community is shocked by the tragic death of Corbin Jones on Saturday, 11 May. Corbin was a very popular pupil, with a wide friendship group across his own, and other, year groups. He was equally popular with staff due to his kind and caring nature, and his enthusiasm for life.

“In classes, he was happy, cheerful and polite, always with a smile on his face and always ready to learn and to contribute to lessons with a keen sense of fun and good humour. A talented guitarist, he loved spending time in the Music department.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Corbin’s mum, his brother Ashton and their family and friends.”

A letter was sent out to parents from the school following the tragedy. It said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of one of our Larkhall Academy pupils, Corbin Jones (S2). Corbin collapsed and died during a game of football with his friends, on our school grounds, on Saturday 11 May.

"Staff and pupils in S1-S3 were informed on Monday morning. Our S4-S6 pupils are currently on exam leave. Many pupils in S4-S6 may have been made aware through friends in the community. We would appreciate you discussing this with your children, and reminding them of the supports available to them.

"Pupils have been supported by staff from our school and by staff from Psychological Services. Our thoughts and prayers are with Corbin’s family and friends at this very sad time."

Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been set up to support Corbin's family. A statement on the GoFundMe page said: "I am raising funds for my friend and neighbour who suddenly lost her young son on Saturday whilst he was out playing football with his friends.

"The funds will go to help give Corbin the send-off he deserves."

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “We were made aware of a 14-year-old boy taken unwell in the grounds of Larkhall High School shortly after 7.25pm on Saturday, 12 May. He was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow but was pronounced dead a short time later

“His death is being treated as unexplained but there are no suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 19:08 on 11 May 2024 to attend an incident on Broomhill Road, Larkhall. An ambulance, critical care paramedic and paramedic response unit were dispatched to the scene and one patient was transported to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

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