Tributes paid to ‘happy, cheeky, funny’ teenager who died aged 13 as fundraiser is launched for funeral costs

A 13-year-old boy has died suddenly, with his family saying that his death will “change our lives forever”.

As reported by the Edinburgh Evening News, Devin Gordon, 13 from Bathgate in Scotland, passed away this week, with tributes pouring in from friends and family for the

British Transport Police confirmed that the 13-year-old had died on Wednesday 19 January at Bathgate train station, after emergency services were called to the scene.

He was described as a “happy, cheeky, but funny” young man, with his Junior’s football team sharing a touching tribute to Devin.

‘We will miss him every day’

Devin’s family confirmed his death with a statement released via British Transport Police.

It read: “Our lives have changed forever and will never be the same without our precious boy. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives.

“Thank-you to everyone that’s paid tribute to Devin and those that have sent us condolence messages during this extremely difficult time.”

Devin was a keen footballer and was a fan of Heart of Midlothian, with Hearts fans now trying to get a 13th minute applause at this weekend’s match.

City rivals Hibernian have also paid tribute to Devin, saying: “Rest in peace, Devin. Everyone at Hibs is saddened to hear this tragic news”.

A special memorial will be held for the 13-year-old in Balbardie Park in Bathgate.

Devin was ‘a light in the team that will never go out’

Not only did he follow Hearts, Devin was a keen footballer himself and was a member of his local team, Bathgate Junior’s Football Club.

The group told of their devastation after hearing that Devin had passed away.

In a post online they said: “It is with great sadness and sorrow that we share the news of the passing of one of our players from Bathgate Juniors Under 14’s.

“Devin was a light in the team which will never go out.

“His personality like a magnet drawing people to him. Happy, cheeky but funny with it and always respectful.

“On the field he showed his passion and skill. He made the team a better place to be.

“He was a great team player and friend who will be greatly missed by his football family. Our thoughts are now with Devin’s family, friends and his team who will hold him in their hearts forever the only Number 4.”

The teenager had a huge impact on his teammates and those associated with the team, with a special fundraiser set up by a parent of a team member to help Devin’s family pay for funeral costs.

Fundraiser created to support Devin’s family

Launched on Thursday 20 January, the GoFundMe campaign began with a target of £2,000 to help support Devin’s family during an incredibly difficult time.

The fundraiser has smashed the £2,000 target, having raised more than £13,000 as of Friday afternoon.

It was set up by Nicola Boyd, a parent of a teammate of Devin’s.

She said: “As anyone can imagine this is any parents worst nightmare to lose a child.

“Any donation to help this family with Devin’s funeral costs would take the load of the family’s minds. Our hearts go out to all his family and friends. Rest in paradise little man!!!

“My son said he was a happy, funny, and nice lad! And a great team player.”

The fundraiser can be found here.

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