The family of an Angus teenager who died tragically of a brain haemorrhage have spoken of their love for a “fantastic and determined” young man who was in a “rush to live.”
Andrew Crowe (15), from Brechin, passed away peacefully on Friday morning after taking ill suddenly on Thursday evening.
His mother Mayra Lucia (39) said her son had been selfless in all that he did and one of his last acts of kindness was coming home from school that same day to make dinner for his younger brother Stuart (13), who had complained of feeling unwell.
As well as the tributes from his family, Andrew has been honoured by hundreds of friends who have left messages on social networking sites and Brechin High School rector Steve Dempsey, who described him as “hugely popular with both staff and pupils.”
Mrs Crowe said the keen athlete, who was a lance corporal in the Brechin battalion of the army cadets, had his sights set on becoming a royal marine once his studies were complete.
She said, “He put 100% into everything he did and his dream was joining the marineshe was absolutely determined that was what he was going to do when he left school.
“But he also did everything he could to help people. He was always so concerned about others and he was just a lovely brother to Stuart.
“His body was his temple and he was always complaining to me if there wasn’t enough protein in the house.
“I was at Barry Buddon earlier, meeting some of the other cadets and the younger children were telling me how he always supported them in everything they did, always telling them that they could do it.
“That was really nice to hear. It meant so much to hear the kids express exactly what Andrew meant to them and I’ll be forever grateful for that,” she said.Tragic situationMrs Crowe added that in the days since her son’s death she and the two boys’ father, Alistair (46), had found comfort in remembering his inspirational attitude to life.
Born in his mother’s native Mexico City, he moved to Angus at a young age but regularly returned to visit his grandparents and was an accomplished Spanish speaker.
He excelled in a range of sports, particularly boxing and athletics, and had been set to represent his battalion at a race in Edinburgh this weekendbut, according to friends, was never boastful about his many achievements.
His favourite memories included climbing Ben Nevis with his father last summer and a recent holiday to Egypt, during which he rode a camel and swam in the Red Sea.
Mrs Crowe, a university languages teacher, continued, “Andrew gave always the best that he could and I would like to think that his legacy to us is that we should give the best we can in everythingthat we should never give up.
“That’s the strength that he has given us and this is what will help us get over our grief for him, as I’m sure that in time we can.”
Mr Dempsey said Brechin High School would be holding special assemblies this morning when pupils would be invited to pay tribute to Andrew.
He also added that educational psychology staff would be on hand to provide support to those struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
He added, “Andy was a lovely boy and we have very fond memories of him. He was very kind, considerate and helpful.
“He will be a huge loss to us and we were immensely sad to hear of his deathit really is a tragic situation.
“Now, our focus will be on rallying round and doing the best we can to support the other pupils,” said Mr Dempsey.
“I’m sure our local chaplains will also be extremely helpful to anyone who wants to talk about Andy.”