REST IN PARADISE, WEE DUDE
Tributes pour in for tragic seven-year-old Harris McGurk who, only hours after celebrating his brother’s birthday, collapses on a city centre street
THE family of a seven-year-old boy who died after collapsing in the street were being comforted by relatives last night.
Harris McGurk – the second youngest of four brothers – fell ill after celebrating the birthday of one of his older siblings at a soft play centre in Edinburgh. He passed away later in hospital.
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy collapsed and died just hours after celebrating his older brother’s birthday.
Tragic Harris McGurk fell ill as he was heading home with his family after being at a soft play centre in Edinburgh.
Paramedics raced to the scene as members of the public also tried to help the stricken youngster.
He was taken to Edinburgh’s Sick Children’s Hospital but died a short time later.
Police closed Constitution Street in Leith for several hours following his collapse but said the death is being treated as unexplained and not suspicious.
It’s understood Harris and his family had been out celebrating his brother’s 10th birthday when the tragedy occurred.
Tributes have been posted across social media to the youngster, who came from the north side of the city.
His distraught mum, Selina MacKenzie, is being supported by family members and specialist police officers at her home.
Harris, who had one younger and two older brothers, was last night described as a “lovely wee boy from a very close, loving family.”
A family friend said: “His mum is heartbroken and shocked. He was a smashing wee lad from a close family. He has three brothers and his mum was super-proud of them all.
“He was a typical wee boy who loved football and had a cheeky wee face. He was always grinning. It’s so tragic. For it to happen on his brother’s birthday is just the worst thing. Everyone is absolutely devastated.”
A police source said: “This appears to have been a medical event which has had tragic consequences for the boy.
“His family are understandably very distressed. A few members of the public tried to help when he became ill and it has had a devastating effect on lots of people.”
His uncle, Craig MacKenzie, posted on a public Facebook page: “Thanks for the messages, It means a lot to my sister and family. I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
Pamela Penman wrote on the page: “Rest in paradise, wee dude. You will be missed in your classroom by all your wee friends.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Police were in attendance at Constitution Street at about 5.40pm on Saturday, April 7 after a child was taken unwell.
“The boy was taken to the Sick Kids Hospital, where he sadly died a short time later. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.
“Inquiries are ongoing and the death is being treated as unexplained.”
It’s understood a post-mortem will be carried out to establish the cause.