My heart’s ripped apart, says tragic teen’s mum

THE mother of a teenager who died suddenly at his home in west Belfast has said the tragedy has left her heart “shattered”.

Dylan Fox’s mum Tracy posted a tribute to her son after the Year 13 St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School pupil was found dead in Twinbrook on Monday morning.

His death is said to have been accidental.

A book of condolences has been opened at his school and his friends have been offered counselling.

In an emotional tribute on Facebook, Dylan’s mother wrote: “My beautiful baby, you have utterly ripped my heart apart.

“How will (I) ever live without you? You were my world... my heart is shattered. I’m broken. I’m dying inside.”

St Mary’s principal Siobhan Kelly said it was a difficult time for the young man’s family, friends and the entire school community.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and classmates at this sad time,” she added.

“Dylan was a very popular student among his peers and with staff and had begun his Level 3 studies in our PE department.

“He will be sadly missed by the entire school community.

“This will be a very difficult time for his fellow students.

“Our immediate priority has been to look after our students, particularly his close friends and his year group.

“They have been offered support by our pastoral team.

“We as a school have been fully supported by the Educational Authority critical incident team.

“This support will continue over the coming days and weeks.

“We are liaising closely with Dylan’s family and are praying for them at this difficult time.

“An accidental death is hard to bear at any time, but when it is a young person with so much to live for and it happens during the Christmas season, it is extremely difficult.

“Our staff have been exceptional under very difficult circumstances and will continue to offer their support.”

Friends offered condolences to the bereaved family, describing Dylan as “a beautiful boy”.

“You’re all in my thoughts, Tracy. So sorry to hear about your wee son,” read one post.

“May God give you the strength to get through this. Forever young.”

Others said their hearts went out to the family and that Dylan would be watching over the people he had left behind.

“Heart is broken for you,” one well-wisher wrote.

The teenager is survived by parents Tracy and Mark, stepfather Oliver and younger brothers Brooklyn and Brandon.

His death sent shockwaves through the local community.

A funeral service will be held today. The teenager’s remains will leave his home at 12.30pm, followed by Requiem Mass at St Luke’s Church in Twinbrook at 1pm.

Burial will take place in Blaris Cemetery shortly after.