Shock as teenager Charlie Alford collapses and dies at college

A TEENAGER who died after suddenly collapsing at college has been remembered by family and friends.

Charlie Alford, who was 16, died after he was found collapsed in a toilet area at Cornwall College Saltash and staff tried to resuscitate him.

He was taken to Derriford Hospital by ambulance and was later declared deceased.

Charlie lived in the village of Landrake, on the A38 west of Saltash.

BRAND NEW FORD B-MAX ZETEC 1.0 ECOBOOST FOR ONLY £7685*

Swanson Motor Company

View details

Print voucher

DRIVE AWAY A BRAND NEW FORD B-MAX ZETEC FOR ONLY £7685.
1.0 100PS Manual
WITH:
Electric Windows & Mirrors
Quickclear Heated Windscreen
15" Alloy Wheels
Bluetooth with Ford Sync
Fog Lights

Terms: *Drive away from only £7685 and then pay nothing for 24 months!
4.9% APR
Conditions Apply

Contact: 01626 240583

Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013

Young friends there gathered at a bus stop where he regularly spent time, to remember him and to lay flowers.

Police said in a statement yesterday that they were informed at around 5.30pm on Wednesday by Derriford Hospital that the 16-year-old boy had died.

"Staff at the Saltash site of Cornwall College found the boy collapsed in a toilet area during the afternoon.

"CPR was carried out by staff and he was shortly afterwards taken to hospital by ambulance and was later declared deceased.

"Police are working closely with the college to ensure the welfare of staff and students are looked after and officers, as is usual in incidents such as these, are investigating the circumstances of this death.

"At this time no one is being sought in connection with this death."

Charlie was on the Introduction to Professional Cookery Diploma Level 1 course at Saltash.

Jan Langley, his lecturer, said: "Charlie was a cheeky charmer who you couldn't help but like.

"He was so popular with his classmates and they'd all really got to know each other well in the few weeks since he started at college. It's such a sad loss."

Dave Linnell, the college principal, said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with Charlie's family and friends. We are supporting students and staff at this difficult time."

Charlie was a pupil at Saltash.net Community College until he started his college course this month.

Nick Scantlebury, the deputy head at Saltash.net, said: "We would like to express our sincere sympathy for his family at a very difficult time."

Letters were attached to the bus shelter and flowers were laid along the pavement, with a banner covered with messages for Charlie including: "Beautiful young man, sadly missed but never forgotten", "sleep tight angel" and "miss you millions".

In one letter from Millie, it said: "You were my bestest mate ever and you were more than that to me.

"I spent every day with you. It hasn't hit me yet, I'm still waiting by my phone waiting for a text or phone call asking where I am and what I'm doing."

Becky also said: "We've gained an angel and I'm sure you'll still be looking out at everyone like you always did.

"Going to miss you little bro, words can't explain how much but I'll see you again, promise."

Georgia added: "Charlie Alford, you shall NEVER be forgotten, ALWAYS missed and are CERTAINLY loved. I love you so much Charles."

An event has been arranged at the Bullers Arms in Landrake at 7pm tonight in celebration of Charlie's life.