A 16-YEAR-OLD boy who died after collapsing in a supermarket car park has been named as Harry Kelham.

Harry, a Year 11 pupil at Poole’s Magna Academy, is believed to have suffered a seizure.

The popular pupil was due to take GCSE exams this summer and school Principal Richard Tutt has sent a letter to parents and carers of his school friends.

In it, he said: “I am writing with some very difficult news. On behalf of the Magna staff and governing body I wish to pass on our deepest sympathies to everyone at such an incredibly difficult time.”

Mr Tutt said special assemblies were held when pupils returned to school following the Easter break on Tuesday.

Support from the local authority and the Aspirations Academies Trust has now been put in place for pupils throughout the school. They will work alongside the school’s own pastoral team.

Mr Tutt added: “We will also set up a quiet area for support for any members of the Magna community to use at any time during the day. This support is available for both staff and students.

“The Magna community will plan how we commemorate Harry’s life and we will inform you in due course. This will include the setting up of a special book for messages. Please do let us know if we can help in any way at this difficult time.”

Harry died after collapsing at Tesco Extra in Fleetsbridge at 1.15pm on Easter Monday, April 22. He was taken to Poole Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Dorset coroner has been informed and a post mortem examination and inquest will be held.

Detective Inspector Steve May, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with this boy’s family and friends at this very distressing time.

“While we are not treating his death as suspicious, we are carrying out inquiries on behalf of the coroner.”

Canford Heath councillor Sean Gabriel said “everyone’s thoughts are with Harry’s family, friends and school”.

“It’s an awful thing to have happened. He had his whole life in front of him,” he said.

“When I heard the news, I didn’t realise the boy was a pupil of Magna Academy.

“I can’t imagine what the family must be going through, all our hearts are breaking with them.”

Fellow councillor Sandra Moore said: “It’s really sad and such a shock. My heart goes out to the family, and I’m sure Magna Academy will do the right thing in supporting the pupils.”

Shoppers at Tesco expressed their condolences yesterday. Esther Bradwell, from Poole, said: “It is terribly sad to hear a young boy has died. Especially when he was just at the start of his life.

“As a mother myself I’d like to pass condolences onto his family. Hopefully they will get some answers from the investigations that are being carried out now.”

Another shopper, who declined to be named, said: “I feel for the lad and his family, and everyone who was here trying to help.

“I think the family should be left alone now so they can grieve, so they can get through the coming weeks and months.

“It’s very sad news.”

Det Insp May said police are keen to speak to a man who saw Harry collapse and raised the alarm with a member of staff.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting 55190060373. Alternatively, visit www.dorset.police.uk or email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk