Gardaí in Limerick are investigating the tragic sudden death of an 11-year-old schoolboy in the city.
The body of Mark O'Neill, Greenfields, Rosbrien, was discovered in his bedroom by a relative at his home last Tuesday.
He was taken by ambulance to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick, where he was pronounced dead.
Gardaí gave no details on how the boy died. They said they were not seeking to interview anyone in connection with his death.
A Garda spokesman described the incident as a "tragedy" and said the investigation was still under way.
The Health Service Executive said yesterday that it was involved in providing counselling and support for members of his family and for children at the boy's school.
An only child, the boy is survived by his mother, Lisa, and his grandfather, Frank.
One local, who declined to be named, said the local community was still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.
"There is complete devastation. Neighbours are distraught at what's happened. They can't believe it. It seems he might have tried to do something to scare a family member and it went horribly wrong, but nobody knows for sure," the local said.
Parents and children at the boy's primary school on Sexton Street were said to be extremely upset as news spread of the boy's death yesterday.
Psychologists from the National Educational Psychology Service are also expected to be on hand today to provide expert support at the school.
It is likely an inquest will be held, given the circumstances of how the boy died.
His removal will take place this evening from Thompson's funeral home in Limerick at 7pm.
Burial will take place following Mass at the Dominican Church at 10.30am tomorrow.
