Teenager who died in Sale High School tragedy named

A 15-year-old boy who died after collapsing while playing football has been named in a statement by his school. Jake Lawler had been playing football at Ashton on Mersey School on November 5 2024 when he collapsed.

Tragically, despite the efforts of staff and emergency services to save him, Jake passed away at the scene. A statement from Ashton on Mersey School added that support was being provided to those closest to the tragedy.

Now a statement from Sale High School has named Jake, saying that the school has been "devastated" by his loss. The statement said that some staff will accompany pupils who wish to pay their respects as Jake's funeral cortege passes the school on Thursday.

READ MORE: Heartbreak as boy, 15, dies after collapsing suddenly during school football game

The statement from Sale High School said: "Our Sale High School Community was absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our much loved and precious students, Jake Lawler, who recently passed away in tragic circumstances. As a school, we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and continue to support our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time.

"As a mark of respect, some of our staff will accompany our Year 10 and 11 students outside of school to pay their respects as Jake's funeral cortege passes by on the morning of Thursday 12 December. We would politely request no one parks outside of the school on Norris Road before 11am on that day, to allow access for the funeral cars and to ensure the safety of our school community."

It added: "We would also like to take this opportunity to share a link to Jake's memorial fund, set up by his family to raise awareness of a very worthy cause - CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). The money will go towards raising awareness of young sudden cardiac death as well as supporting the families affected, supporting their screening programme and funding research and pathology. If you would like to donate to the memorial fund, the link is www.c-r-y.org.uk/jake-lawler."