Boy, 13, dies after collapse on football training pitch
Teenage player who fell into coma saves two lives by donating organs
A THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD football fan has died after suffering a suspected heart attack while training with his club.
Kieran McDade lapsed into a coma after falling ill while he was on the pitch.
Coaching staff at Dunbeth Football Club in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, went to his aid before the youngster was taken to hospital, where he fought for life for eight days after collapsing last week.
Messages of support from friends, family and Scottish football players poured in for the popular teen, praying he would pull through.
However, the Celtic fan, from Airdrie, died yesterday morning.
His sister, Amy, later disclosed that her brother had already saved two lives by donating his organs.
North Lanarkshire Council issued a statement from Kieran’s parents, understood to be called Bernie and Gemma.
The couple said: ‘We are devastated at the loss of our lovely son Kieran. He lived life to the full and his smile would light up a room.
‘We are very grateful for the support we have received from his friends and teachers at his school.’
In her online tribute Amy thanked family and friends for their prayers and support, adding: ‘Kieran’s mum and dad thank all his friends for all the amazing things you have done for him, we now know how loved he truly is.
‘To all the mums, my mum asks you to hug your boy tight tonight because life is full of surprises and so, so precious – appreciate every moment you have with them.
‘Would also like to let everyone know that Kieran has remained the most sensitive and generous boy that he is and donated some of his organs which has saved two people’s lives today.’
Kieran’s aunt, Bernadette Brennan, disclosed in an online post that the teenager’s parents had been told on Tuesday he was not expected to recover. She added: ‘We are utterly heartbroken.’
Dunbeth Football Club posted: ‘Kieran collapsed at training last Thursday and despite all efforts by coaching staff, paramedics and doctors, and all the prayers people said, it just wasn’t enough.
‘This is the most heartbreaking situation any parent could go through and all the people connected to Dunbeth FC send their condolences to Bernie, Gemma, Amy and all extended family and friends. Kieran was a big happy-golucky boy and all his team-mates and coaches will miss him terribly.
‘A popular boy who gave his all for his team and will forever be remembered for the League Championship he proudly won with his team-mates and all the good memories that came with that.
‘He was a founder member of the 2003 squad and secured his place as our No 8, which we all knew he treasured dearly.’
A spokesman for Celtic said: ‘All at Celtic are sorry to hear about the sad passing of Kieran – such sad news for someone so young. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.’
Forth Valley Football Development Association said: ‘Everyone at the FVFDA sends their condolences to his family and friends.
‘As a mark of respect we will have a minute’s silence at all youth games on Saturday. Dunbeth have requested that no games are cancelled, as Kieran loved his football.’
Rangers Football Club fan page The Blue Sea of Ibrox posted online: ‘R.I.P. to Kieran McDade, who this morning sadly passed away. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.’
Stephen Snee, headteacher of St Margaret’s High School, Airdrie, which Kieran attended, said: ‘Kieran was very popular with the pupils and staff.
‘He enjoyed most subjects and PE was a particular favourite. Kieran was an excellent footballer and played in local teams with many of his classmates.
‘The school has been a very sad place today. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kieran, his family and his friends.’
Sudden cardiac arrest is a potentially fatal condition in which the heart unexpectedly stops beating.
In 2012, Fabrice Muamba suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a televised FA Cup match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Bolton midfielder survived despite his heart not beating independently for 78 minutes.
‘His smile would light up a room’