TRIBUTES have been paid to a 12-year-old boy who died whilst warming up for a badminton lesson at school.

James Hore

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 12-year-old boy who died whilst warming up for a badminton lesson at school.

Jay Waters was getting ready for a PE lesson in the sports hall with his year-eight classmates at the William de Ferrers School in South Woodham Ferrers, near Chelmsford, when he collapsed yesterday morning.

The PE teacher and on-site school medical staff performed CPR while they waited for the ambulance to arrive.

The youngster, who had an existing heart condition, was taken to Chelmsford's Broomfield Hospital with his mum and school staff but he was later pronounced dead.

Jay's dad, Danny, has paid tribute to his boy.

In a statement he said: “Jay was a lovely lad and adored by his family. There is now a great void in our lives.

“He was a very happy and kind boy who enjoyed his life in spite of is heart condition.”

Andrew Merchant, deputy headteacher at the school, said: “Jay Waters a year-eight pupil at William de Ferrers School was doing a warm up at the start of his PE lesson prior to playing badminton.

“He collapsed in the sports hall, the PE Teacher carried out CPR along with our own medical staff until the paramedics arrived.

“Jay was taken by ambulance with his mother and school staff to Broomfield Hospital. Despite of everyone's efforts Jay died at Broomfield Hospital.

“The pupils and parents have been informed of his sad event and students who require support are being looked after by our own staff and specialist staff from Essex County Council's support team.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.”