Student dies at Kingscliff
FRIENDS of a teenager who died during a school outing yesterday have poured their hearts out on a Facebook tribute page.
About noon yesterday Kingscliff High School student Riley Gillespie stumbled out of the water and collapsed on the sand on the banks of Cudgen Creek, near Jack Julius Park, during a PE lesson.
Riley was rushed to hospital but later died.
Mourner Chris Gleave said his friend was taken too early.
"R.I.P Riley, you did not deserve this," Chris wrote.
"You were a great person, great friend, you will never be forgotten, you will be forever loved.
"R.i.p bro."
Another mourner, Bek James, left a heartfelt message for the teen.
"You amazing boy, I'm so sorry you had to leave us this early," she said.
"R. I. P sweetie xx."
Kingscliff High School principal Alan Tolley said the school extended its deepest sympathy to Riley's family and friends.
"Riley was an extremely popular student and will be greatly missed by students and staff," Mr Tolley said.
Counselling was immediately made available for students and staff and will remain available for as long as it is needed.
Tweed/Byron Local Area Command Inspector Jason Dowds said when Riley emerged from the water he appeared to lose consciousness.
"The teachers have then performed CPR," Insp Dowd said.
"Ambulances have attended and continued CPR for some time.
"Then he was conveyed to Tweed Heads hospital in a criti- cal condition where again CPR was continued for an amount of time.
"He has then passed away."
Insp Dowds said the cause of death did not appear to be a drowning and investigations would continue.
"Until the post mortem is done we're not going to know for sure," he said.
