School reeling after death of student

A Gisborne school community is reeling from the tragic loss of a student, after an 11-year-old died in a freak accident on Wednesday night.

Campion College year seven student Leo Te Kira was with friends riding along mountain bike trails when he lost control on a steep decline and went over a bank. He was taken to Gisborne Hospital with serious injuries but died several hours later.

Campion College principal Paul McGuinness said Leo's death had been very traumatic for staff and students.

"You never expect anything like this. It very much comes out of the blue," he said.

"Any sudden death is a tragedy and causes great heartache. But when it is a young person, it is even more severe."

He joined the school at the start of the year as a Year 7 student and was well-loved by his peers, said Mr McGuinness.

"His classroom teacher would describe Leo as a perfect student.

"He was very friendly and was loved by all of the other students.

"He was always looking to support and help others in the class and was conscientious in all the work he did."

Students at the school are being offered support and counselling services.

"We found out yesterday morning and gathered the students together for a prayer service, and told them as much as we knew. We led them in a prayer for Leo and for his family," said Mr McGuinness.

"The whole school will keep Leo and his family in their prayers."

The school will liaise with the Te Kira family on how they wish to proceed.

- NZPA