A TEENAGER has died after suddenly collapsing while playing football - despite having no known medical conditions, his school has confirmed.

Nathan Foley, 17, was airlifted to John Radcliffe Hospital on Friday afternoon from Great Marlow School's playing fields in Bobmore Lane, Marlow.

But despite the intervention by Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance he could not be saved, Great Marlow School have said.

The sixth former appears to have suffered a cardiac arrest during the game with friends at about 4.30pm.

Headteacher Geralyn Wilson said the school was in total shock and reported Nathan had no previous symptoms and “other than the usual teenage snuffles he had no known existing medical condition”.

She said many friends and students and staff stayed with Nathan until he left school and were devastated and distressed to hear of Nathan's death.

Paying tribute to the youngster, Mrs Wilson said: “Nathan was a great young man: talented and bright, with an easy going nature, he was much liked and respected by his peers and by his teachers. His death touches all of us.”

Owen Hollyman, Head of Sixth Form, said: “As a student Nathan was impeccably polite and motivated: he was planning to study Criminology and Forensic Psychology at university. He had achieved very promising exam results and was preparing for his final A level examinations, which start this week.”

The school told the Free Press that Nathan was a talented and keen sportsman who loved football and running.

Mr Hollyman said: “Nathan was an extremely popular member of the Sixth Form. Underneath his calm, mature exterior, he had a wicked sense of humour. He never boasted about his musical abilities but will be remembered amongst his peers for his creative rapping and guitar playing.

“The positive effect of Nathan upon the lives of his family and friends was enormous. His death has been a devastating blow to the school community, testament to his universal popularity.”

A Facebook tribute page has been set up in his memory.

An inquest will determine the official cause of death.

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