Helensville mourns death of 'bubbly' young teenager

Photo / Thinkstock

A small Auckland community is mourning the death of a "bubbly and energetic" 13-year-old boy.

The death has been referred to the coroner after the boy was found dead at a Helensville property on Monday night.

Emergency services were called to Rautawhiri Rd in the northwest Auckland township about 5pm, but the boy was dead when paramedics arrived, said a St John Ambulance spokeswoman.

He was being mourned by family, friends and the wider community yesterday.

Those close to the boy were gathered at the Rautawhiri address paying their respects.

A student at nearby Kaipara College said counselling was being provided to classmates and ex-classmates at Helensville Primary School.

A spokeswoman for Helensville Primary School said: "He will be remembered here as a very bubbly, helpful and energetic boy who was much loved. It's very sad."

Kaipara College principal John Grant said the school was notified of the boy's death on Monday night.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time."

Mr Grant said a school-based crisis response team was being used.

"Parents of our school community have been sent a letter [yesterday] afternoon informing them of the death and providing information about supporting young people following a sudden death. Parents have been asked to contact the school if support is required for any members of our school community."

The community was also reacting on social media.

"Thank you for your smiles, your help and your beautiful personality," said one post. "You brought much joy to everyone who came across you."

Police Northern Communications Shift Inspector Kerry Watson said there were no suspicious circumstances around the death, which had been referred to the coroner.