‘Daniel was a wonderful young man’
A HEADTEACHER paid an emotional tribute to a talented 12-year-old rugby player “with a cheeky sense of humour” who died on Wednesday.
Birkby schoolboy Daniel Beal, who was a pupil at the Crossley Heath Grammar School in Halifax, died on Wednesday, June 21.
An inquest into his death is due to be opened later this week at Bradford Coroner’s Court once funeral arrangements have been finalised.
Headteacher Wendy Moffat said in a statement: “The Crossley Heath School community suffered a tragic loss on 21 June, 2017, when Year 7 student and rugby player, Daniel Beal, died.
“Twelve-year-old student Daniel was a much loved, popular student and captain of the Year 7 rugby team. Daniel was a wonderful young man with a cheeky sense of humour.
“A Leeds United fan through and through, he also found time to play rugby for Huddersfield RUFC for the last seven years.
“He will be greatly missed by the entire Crossley Heath family, especially his friends and teammates. and still would like to have held it back a while.
“So for anyone who still hasn’t heard I can confirm that our beautiful, wise, witty, clever, talented and occasionally smelly son Daniel has died at the age of 12, in what looks very much like a freak accident.
“There have been rumours on various platforms that Dan was depressed and unhappy and took his own life.
“As there is to be an inquest to establish the facts such speculation is both unhelpful and irresponsible and we ask all, especially parents of Dan’s peers, to monitor social media activity and help us stop these rumours which are quite hurtful to Dan’s loved ones.
“In any case there is no indication that Danny died as a result of anything but a tragic accident and everyone who knows him has told us how happy he always was.
“We will love and remember Danny always; a good student, capable sportsman, highly promising rugby player and a warm and affectionate son and brother whose antics and sayings kept us in stitches.
“The love and support we’ve had from all our friends and the genuine affection and respect shown for Daniel in his school community, are a comfort at this horrific time.
“Farewell, Danny – I know you’re up there now in Valhalla with a rugby ball in one hand and a sneaky beer in the other.
“I’ll always love and cherish your memory and will fight to leave the world a legacy you’d be proud of. Sleep well little mate – Dad. xxxx.”
“Daniel’s death has touched everyone connected to the school as demonstrated in the overwhelming number of messages, cards and flowers brought in by friends and families.
“The school hall has been set aside as a place of reflection and remembrance.
“Daniel’s sister, Martha, is a Year 11 student at Crossley Heath and his brother, Ciaran, attended Crossley Heath but is now studying for A-levels at Greenhead College.
“The school is doing all it can to support students who are struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of their friend and offering counselling to those who need it.
“The Year 7 students are clearly distressed but have found a practical focus in fund-raising in memory of Daniel.
“Within a few hours, they had raised £1,610 and this figure continues to grow.
“Over the next few months, we will focus on teaching our students to live their lives in a way which honours Daniel’s memory.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire Crossley Heath community go out to them at this unimaginably difficult time.”