Teenager was ‘loving’ student life

The family of a 17-year-old Auckland student who died in his University of Otago dorm room say he had been loving student life.

Jack Bisset had recently been diagnosed with epilepsy and his father said the family suspected it was complications from a seizure which led to his death.

Bisset died in his sleep in his dorm room at City College in Dunedin on Friday night.

He was found in his room at 2.45pm on Saturday.

In a statement, father Donovan Bisset said the family received the ‘‘horrific news’’ on Saturday.

‘‘He had just started on his next great life journey at Otago study- ing conjoint law and science. It was going well, he was loving Otago and all the challenges of first-year university.

‘‘We are absolutely devastated that our loving and caring son who had so much potential and life yet to live has been taken from us so soon,’’ he said.

Jack’s family, including his two younger brothers would travel to Dunedin to bring his body home.

Thoughts were with the Bisset family, University of Otago student services director Karyn Thomson said.

‘‘We are saddened by the early death of a young man with such promise and offer our deepest sympathies to his family.’’

A meeting was held on Sunday at City College to offer ongoing support, Thomson said.

Residents at City College will farewell Jack and a private ceremony with his family, where the students can also sign a book of condolence, the college said.

‘‘That book will go to City College for other residents to sign as they return.

‘‘The University will be represented at Jack’s funeral in Auckland on Saturday and residents of City College who live in Auckland also plan to attend.’’

The service will Albany, Auckland. be held in