Bullying tragedy of schoolboy, 12
Parents’ anguish at happy son’s ‘suicide’
A BOY of 12 took his own life after being targeted by bullies, his family claim.
Mason Warwick was taken to hospital after a 999 call but could not be saved.
The youngster’s devastated parents last night paid tribute to their ‘special angel’.
His death last Thursday night is not being treated as suspicious and police have not confirmed the cause of death.
But a family member said he believed the Year 8 pupil died by suicide.
And a fundraising page set up for the boy’s family claims he was a victim of ‘nasty bullies’.
His parents Kelly and Daniel Warwick, from Brighton, said: ‘He was our amazing special angel.’
A friend of Mason’s, who asked not to be named, said: ‘He was a really sweet boy and he was a really nice person. The fact he took his own life really surprised us because he seemed like a happy person. He seemed like a really happy person.’
Another family member said: ‘He was the loveliest, sweetest boy. He was happy- go- lucky, really polite, and loved by everybody. You couldn’t ask for a better kid.’
Tributes poured in for Mason last night as a crowdfunding campaign to help his parents cope with the death passed £5,000, smashing its £1,000 goal.
The GoFundMe page says: ‘As most of you know, this beautiful little boy Mason took his own life on Thursday night due to nasty bullies.
‘He was such a loving, caring young man with a heart of gold.
‘His parents are struggling with the loss off their little prince as you can imagine and would love anyone to help raise a bit of money to help them at this sad time.
‘Money won’t bring that precious boy home but will help the family a little. RIP Mason.’
A spokesman for Varndean School in Brighton, where Mason was a pupil, said: ‘We are deeply sadbation dened to report the unexpected death of one of our Year 8 students, Mason Warwick.
‘The thoughts and prayers of the whole community are with the family and friends of Mason who are dealing with their terrible loss.’
Headmaster William Deighan added: ‘This is devastating news. The death of a child reminds us just how precious our children are and it will be very important to hold and support them in the next few days and weeks.
‘Our focus as a school at the moment is on supporting the family, our students and staff at this exceptionally difficult time.’
Varndean School was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2013.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: ‘Police were called at about 11pm on Thursday to concern for a child.
‘Sadly the 12-year-old boy died at hospital. His death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.’
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local branch. See samaritans.org for details.