DEVASTATED friends have paid tribute to 13-year-old Joshua O’Neill, the schoolboy who tragically passed away in Ardrossan last weekend.

The St Matthew’s Academy pupil died after being found unconscious on Sunday, September 17.

A close friend of Joshua’s family described the teen as a “caring” and “polite” boy who loved computers.

She told the Herald: “It’s so sad, it’s tragic. Joshua was a lovely, lovely wee boy and a total credit to his family.

“I used to watch him when he was wee, take him to school when he went to St Peter’s while his mum was at work. It just seems like yesterday.

“A few weeks ago he was bowling – his mum asked me to go along for a catchup and he was having a laugh. I’m so glad I went now because I’ve got that lovely memory with him. That’s the last time I saw him.

“He was such a lovely, polite, well-mannered wee boy. He was also so bubbly. He loved his computers and he adored his family. He wasn’t your average 13-year-old, kicking about the streets, he was so caring and lovable, a wee character. I’m sure his family were proud of him. All his schoolfriends are devastated.”

A parent of one of Joshua’s friends described the teen as “a lovely harmless boy”. She added: “All his school friends from primary knew him as ‘Moshi Joshi’. He was a well-loved boy.”

Police and ambulance were called at around 7pm last Sunday to a house in Barrie Terrace after Joshua was found unconscious within. The teen was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital where he died a short time later.

Joshua’s death is the second tragedy to hit St Matthew’s Academy in a week. On Monday, September 11, a 14-year-old pupil was found dead in an Irvine park.

Superintendent Colin Martin of Ayrshire Division said: “The deaths of the 13-year-old boy and 14-yearold girl are both tragic, and my thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this very sad time.

“Officers are continuing enquiries into both of these deaths, and whilst we are presently unaware of any direct link between them at this early stage, work is ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

“We are working with our partners to support the families during this extremely difficult time.”

Following Joshua’s death, a North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are all devastated by the death of a promising, young pupil and our thoughts are with the family at this time.

“We will take every step possible to ensure that the needs of our young people and their families are being met. As well as a range of support in schools through our counsellors, educational psychologists, chaplains and school staff, we would urge any of our pupils who have questions or concerns to contact the school and speak to a member of the pastoral support team.”

Police are not treating Joshua’s death as suspicious. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.