THE heartbroken parents of a Co Armagh schoolboy who died after suffering a suspected heart attack say they are "totally devastated" by his death.
John Joe Toner (11) from Clady passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast on Tuesday night.
The little boy, who is understood to have suffered from a heart condition since birth, took ill last Thursday while at St Malachy's Primary School.
Vigils were held in the close-knit communities of Clady, Ballymoyer and Whitecross as people came together to prayer for the schoolboy.
His parents Maria and Cormac have spoke of their loss and thanked those who prayed for their son.
In a statement, they said: "We are totally devastated at the loss of our precious little boy.
"We wish to extend our thanks to everyone who prayed for him and attended vigils.
"A heartfelt thanks to the medical team in Daisy Hill (hospital) and to the Clarke Clinic in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast who supported us through this difficult time.
"We would ask that people keep us in their thoughts and prayers in the coming days and weeks."
John Joe's funeral is due to take place today at St Michael’s Church, Clady at 11am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
