Cashmere Technical Football Club in Christchurch has joined in tributes to a 17-year-old boy who died while walking to school yesterday, saying the shock and sadness of his loss will be felt by many.
Police this afternoon officially released the name of Thomas Fastier who died after collapsing on Opawa Road on his way to Cashmere High School where he was in Year 13.
Emergency services were called to the scene just before 8.30am yesterday, but despite emergency treatment the teen died.
“Tom played for the club since he was five and the shock and sadness of his loss will be felt by many
A post mortem examination has been carried, the death is not being treated as suspicious and has now been referred to the coroner, police said today.
Cashmere Technical Football Club wrote on Facebook that Tom was one of their 19th Grade players.
"Tom played for the club since he was five and the shock and sadness of his loss will be felt by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they attempt to deal with this sudden awful loss," the club said.
Cashmere High School principal Mark Wilson said in an email to parents that Tom was an "absolutely fantastic young man and student of our school".
"The shock and sadness of his loss will be felt across our whole school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they attempt to deal with this sudden awful loss," Mr Wilson wrote.
Students needing time out yesterday were able to see school counsellors and access support from other staff, he added.
A statement from his family statement said Tom was in good health.
He was involved in several music groups and a talented bass player, as well as being involved in local and national music groups and competitions, the family said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cottam says his thoughts are with Tom's family and friends at this time.
"I would also like to thank members of the public who stopped to assist Tom and those who contacted police with information after this sad event," Mr Cottam said.
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