Boy's sudden death (From Stroud News and Journal)

Boy's sudden death

A STROUD schoolboy is believed to have experimented with sniffing an unknown substance hours before he collapsed and died.

It is not yet known what caused the sudden death of 15-year-old Archway pupil Kieran Hudson, who died at his home on Sunday, May 22.

But in a statement his family said they believed the much-loved teenager was killed after experimenting with an unconfirmed substance.

"Kieran was a loving son and brother and will be missed terribly by his whole family," said a family spokesman.

"He died as a result of a tragic accident, which happened when he was inhaling a volatile substance, as yet unidentified.

"As far as everyone is aware this is the first time that Kieran had experimented in this way."

Gloucester coroner Alan Crickmore opened an inquest into Kieran's death last week and an official verdict is expected in coming months.

Police have already confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious after rushing to the scene with paramedics at around 7.30pm on Sunday, May 22.

Staff and fellow pupils at Archway School in Stroud, where Kieran was a Year 10 pupil, were also coming to terms with his death this week.

School head Katie Harwood said: "The staff and students of Archway School are shocked and saddened by news of the death of Kieran Hudson.

"Kieran was a hard working and pleasant student who had a particular flair for ICT. He is a great loss to the Archway School community.

"Staff and students were informed and bereavement counselling has been offered.

"The school has sent its condolences to Kieran's family and will do everything it can to support them."

Kieran leaves a sister, Samantha, 19, a student at the University of the West of England and a brother, Kelan, nine, a pupil at Rodborough School.

His parents are nurse Cally Hudson and support worker Anthony Ebury.

Solvent abuse charity Re-Solv said 15 was the most common age for VSA (Volatile Substance Abuse) deaths.

According to its latest figures, 24 out of 63 VSA-associated deaths in 2002 were in the under-18s age range.

For more information on the charity call its freephone helpline on 0808 800 2345 or visit www.re-solv.org