‘A KIND, CARING AND COMPASSIONATE MAN’

Tributes to teenager Tyrese, 16, following his sudden death

TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘charming’ teenager following his sudden death.

Tyrese Matswayi was today described as a ‘kind, caring and compassionate young man’ who won everyone over with his big smile.

The 16-year-old had been a student at the Co-op Academy Stoke-on-trent in Tunstall before he lost his ‘battle with mental health’.

Tyrese, pictured right on holiday, from Tunstall, died after being hit by a train at Longport Station on October 6.

A Gofundme page has also been launched to help Tyrese’s grief-stricken family meet the costs of the funeral. More than

£1,600 has been pledged towards a £3,000 target.

Shane Richardson, the principal of the Co-op Academy, said: “Staff and students were devastated to hear the news of Tyrese’s death. “Tyrese was a kind, caring, compassionate young man who was loved by all staff and students at the academy.

“Tyrese embraced all aspects of academy life from residential trips to London and working with Stoke City to making wonderful memories with his friends and peers.

“Tyrese always wanted to make a good impression, especially with his iconic curly hair.

“He never failed to win people over with his charming personality, confidence and smile. Tyrese was incredibly kind and thoughtful, always thinking of others and often engaging in conversation with staff.

“We fondly remember his delight on results day when he collected his well deserved grades last summer. Tyrese was a valued member of his form group, year group and will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.”

Loved-ones are now planning to hold a charity event with a raffle and tombola in Tyrese’s memory on October 30.

The Gofundmepage reads: “I’ve set up this page to try and help one of my best friends with costs towards funeral expenses to give her son the best send off possible.

“Sadly Tyres was taken from us all in devastating circumstances and I just want to help any way I can in these very sad times.

“Any donation would be very gratefully received.”

North Staffordshire Coroner’s Court has been notified of Tyrese’s death with an inquest set to open in due course.

British Transport Police confirmed Tyrese’s death is not being treated as suspicious.