20/01/2006

Ballymena schoolgirl dies suddenly

Staff and pupils at Ballymena Academy have been left shocked after the sudden death of 11-year-old Naomi Fulton.

Naomi collapsed on Thursday afternoon at the end of a scheduled swimming lesson at the Seven Towers Leisure centre.

The Leisure Centre staff attempted to revive Naomi, but she passed away later in the Antrim Area hospital.

A post mortem examination is being carried out.

The school principal, Ronnie Hassard, paid tribute to Naomi, whose family has a long connection with the Academy.

He said she was a very "impressive young girl", and that the thoughts and prayers of the whole community were with her family at this sad time.

(CD)

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