A schoolboy footballer has died after he was injured in a “collision” with another player at a youth football match.
Luca Campanaro, 14, was hurt at an away match in Hillingdon, west London on Sunday.
The 14-year-old goalkeeper was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital where he died on Monday (10/12).
Luca, who was playing for Bedgrove Dynamos FC under 13s, died in hospital on Monday afternoon from the injuries he sustained on the football field the day before.
In paying tribute to her son, Luca’s mother, Joanne Campanaro, said: “I want the world to know how amazing he was.”
The schoolboy’s stepfather, Adam Keedle, said Luca was an “amazing young man and a real loss to the world”.
Mr Keedle said he could not praise the medical staff who treated Luca enough.
A close friend of Luca’s family, Dave Garricks, set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for the family.
On the page, he said: “After a valiant effort by the paramedics air ambulance and hospital staff he is clinically brain dead. The money raised will help go towards the family funeral costs and other costs associated.
“His brave family have donated his organs so in this tragic event others may live.
He added: “At 2.18pm today 10th December 2018 Luca passed away. RIP Luca God always takes the good ones early.”
The page was aiming to raise £10,000 for Luca’s family but has currently managed to reach £13,778.
Earlier today, Mr Garricks posted: “Wow thank you for your kind messages and donations £10,000 raised in less than 24 hours thank you.
“Any other donations from now on will go to London air ambulance service. They are a charity funded by donations only and they tried to save Luca’s life.”
Mr Garricks described Luca as an avid Tottenham Hotspur fan and a dedicated footballer, who died doing what he loved.
Dozens of tributes have poured in, with friends, family and people across the country sending their condolences to Luca’s family.
The youngster’s football team, which is based in Aylesbury, Bucks., said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with Luca’s family and loved ones at this distressing time.
“We also offer our heartfelt condolences to his team mates and all associated with the club as we now try to come to terms with the tragic loss of our friend and team mate.”
Bedgrove Dynamos announced that with the family’s approval, they will be honouring their weekend fixtures with a minutes silence to “celebrate the life of this fantastic young man”.
They continued: “Once again the club would like to thank everyone for their kind messages. We are truly overwhelmed.”
by Emilia Bruce-Watt
