Tributes to teenager who collapsed and died during school football game

Tributes were paid yesterday to a 17 year-old who collapsed and died during a football game at his school.

Nathan Foley, who appeared to be a healthy teenage, was having a kickaround with friends after lessons when he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Panicked pals raised the alarm and an air ambulance flew him from the school field at Marlow, Bucks to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where he died later that day.

Staff and friends at Great Marlow School said they were stunned by the death of Nathan who had only ever suffered ‘snuffles’.

Headteacher Geralyn Wilson said: “Nathan was a great young man: talented and bright, with an easy going nature, he was much liked and respected by his peers and by his teachers.

“His death touches all of us.”

Owen Hollyman, Head of Sixth Form, added: “As a student Nathan was impeccably polite and motivated.

“He was planning to study Criminology and Forensic Psychology at university.

“He had achieved very promising exam results and was preparing for his final A level examinations, which start this week.

“Nathan was an extremely popular member of the Sixth Form and underneath his calm, mature exterior, he had a wicked sense of humour.

“He never boasted about his musical abilities but will be remembered amongst his peers for his creative rapping and guitar playing.

“The positive effect of Nathan upon the lives of his family and friends was enormous.

“His death has been a devastating blow to the school community, testament to his universal popularity.”

Friends took to Facebook to pay their respects and have since been asked to wear football shirts to Nathan’s funeral next Tuesday (28/5).

Carol Letterman wrote on a tribute page: “Now with your Mum xx RIP Nathan xx”

Another tribute read: “R.I.P thoughts and prayers. Burning a candle for you x”

An inquest is to be held to determine the official cause of death.