Dad's tribute to 'loving, happy' Alex Osborn, 13, after sudden death

THE grieving father of a 13-year-old boy who collapsed at a youth club is still waiting to find out how his son died.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out following the death of Alex Osborn, of Biddulph.

But the results are not expected to be released for a number of days.

It is now eight days since Alex suffered a cardiac arrest at Fusion Youth Club, in Knypersley, which was also attended by his 16-year-old brother Connor.

Paramedics and youth club workers battled for more than an hour to save the Biddulph High School pupil, who was pronounced dead on arrival at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Alex would have celebrated his 14th birthday last Monday.

Dad David, a 36-year-old software engineer, of Bollin Grove, Biddulph, said: "We have no idea what happened to Alex. "The first thing I knew about it was when I got a phone call.

"When I walked up to the club I saw people performing CPR on Alex. He was lying in the car park.

"By the time we got to the hospital Alex's heart had stopped for more than an hour and we were told there was nothing more they could do."

Alex was a long-time member of Dennis Salt's Tae Kwon Do group in Biddulph and Chell.

He loved going to the youth club and also enjoyed walking, camping and caravanning with his grandparents. He had also been a member of Biddulph Moor Cub Scouts.

David added: "I still don't know exactly what happened. All people keep telling me is he collapsed.

"Connor was there when it was all going on so it was really distressing for him. He was really upset.

"Both of the boys lived with me and we were all really close. He was a beautiful son.

"He was a wonderfully innocent, thoughtful and honest boy who always had a smile and a hug for you.

"We miss him so much, but he will always be a part of our family, in our hearts and minds."

Alex's uncle, Jonathan, today paid tribute to his nephew.

Jonathan, of Biddulph, said: "Alex was a very loving boy, always thinking about others in his family and ready to give or receive a hug.

"We have always been a close family and Alex was especially close to his brother Connor and cousin Ethan. We enjoyed many family holidays and activities that will never be the same without him.

"Alex was a lovely happy boy who will always be with us and the memories he left us we will treasure forever."

Grandparents Pat and Ron Osborn, of Birch Avenue, Knypersley, added: "Alex was like the brightest star.

"He was the most helpful and loving grandson, always ready with a hug.

"His family and friends were important to him.

"He thought the world of his mum, dad and Connor, and enjoyed great fun with his uncle Jonathan and cousin Ethan.

"He will always be in our thoughts and we will miss him very much."

The family have thanked paramedics, hospital staff and everyone at Fusion youth club, the Pentecostal Church, in Knypersley, and St Lawrence's Church, in Biddulph, who tried to save Alex's life.

They are also grateful to staff and pupils at Biddulph High School, and all their friends, family and neighbours for their support

The family are currently organising Alex's funeral.

To pay tribute to Alex, email tributes@thesentinel.co.uk.