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Schoolboy, 12, dies all of the sudden in ‘catastrophic circumstances’

  • Marc Aguilar, 12, has been described as a ‘popular pupil’ and a ‘keen sportsman’

A 12-year-old boy has tragically died in ‘catastrophic circumstances’ just weeks after starting a new term in school as police continue to investigate.

Sport-loving Marc Aguilar, from Cardiff, described as ‘popular and likeable’ died suddenly on Saturday afternoon to the shock of his devastated family. 

It is not yet clear exactly how the youngster died, while his school, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern, said classmates have been offered counselling following the tragedy.

Police were called to the boy’s home address at around 4pm and say there are ‘no suspicious circumstances’ surrounding the death.

Family member Daniel Arthur said: ‘What would’ve been such a beautiful day ended in catastrophic circumstances, our little cousin Marc passed away aged 12.

Cardiff schoolboy Marc Aguilar died in 'catastrophic circumstances' over the weekend

Cardiff schoolboy Marc Aguilar died in ‘catastrophic circumstances’ over the weekend

Schoolmates of Marc have been offered counselling following the "popular and likeable" youngster's sudden death

Schoolmates of Marc have been offered counselling following the “popular and likeable” youngster’s sudden death

‘The family are truly heartbroken.’ 

Daniel went on to describe Marc as ‘such a nice polite boy’ and added ‘we were lucky to have such a pleasure of knowing him.’

Marc’s school, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern announced his death in a letter to parents and said the year eight pupil had ‘shone in the world of sports’.

In a tribute online, the school added: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce that one of our pupils passed away suddenly over the weekend.

‘Marc Aguilar was a popular and likeable pupil and a keen sportsman. He had many friends at Bro Edern and he will be missed sorely.’

The Welsh-language school, in Penylan, Cardiff, said staff members had visited the family and a team of counsellors has been made available to support pupils and staff.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “South Wales Police is investigating the sudden and unexplained death of a 12-year-old boy in St Mellons, Cardiff, on behalf of HM Coroner. 

“Emergency services were called to the boy’s home address just after 4pm on Saturday, September 14. 

“There are no suspicious circumstances, and an investigation is ongoing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”