A teenager who collapsed and died during a physical education lesson at Londonderry college on Wednesday was the third such tragedy in the past few weeks. 

Family and friends were still trying to come to terms with the death of James McGowan, 15, described as a "special wee boy". 

The teenager collapsed and died in front of his school friends as he was about to board a school bus. 

David Funston, principal at Lisneal College, said he was a "popular" student who "Embraced every opportunity", despite living with a hear condition all his young life. 

Counselling was yesterday made available for anyone at the school who felt they needed it. 

James, from Eglinton, was about to board the transport taking him from the sports pitches to the main building at Crescent Link when he dropped to the ground at around 4.30pm. 

Despite the best efforts of a teacher and paramedics, he could not be revived. 

The McGowan family were yesterday said to be devastated.  An uncle of the schoolboy, who did not want to be named, said: "James was a very special wee boy.  He was so nice to everyone.  He enjoyed his school, he had so many friends and he let nothing in life hold him back." 

Mr Funston said his friends and those who witnessed his collapse would receive counselling if needed to help them cope with the tragedy. 

"James hands a particular syndrome which he refused to allow to get in his way," he said. 

"He did not allow a disability to hold him back and he entered into every opportunity that life gave him.  While we were always conscious to make sure we monitored everything that he took part it, he embraced everything and never complained. 

"He took part in everything he could outside class including Scripture Union and form trips and he was a very popular young lad who was in his GCSE year. 

"All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time and as  school we are trying to come to terms with what has happened." 

A PSNI spokeswoman confirmed they had been informed of the death at 4.23pm. 

Earlier this month Patrick Devlin, 13, from Ardboe, collapsed during training with the O' Donovan Rossa GAA club.  Days earlier Patrick Breen, 10, also died during a GAA training session at Drumquin. 

Wednesday's death came on the day the group Cardiac Risk in the Young held its latest clinic. 

CRY representative for Northern Ireland, John Lundy, whose own son died of sudden death syndrome after a football match, said he was shocked and saddened to heart of another young death. 

"That is another broken family", he said.  "People are certainly more aware of sudden death syndrome now than they were simply because the condition is being publicised more." 

Mr Lundy said the next CRY screening clinic was planned for November, 2, 3 and 4 with places being "snapped up". 

James' funeral will be held at 2.30pm on Sunday at Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church in Londonderry.  He will be buried afterwards in Ballyowen Cemetery.