Northern Ireland

Mother of tragic 17-year-old Dylan Fox said she is 'broken'

Dylan Fox was found dead at his home in Twinbrook on Monday morning
Dylan Fox was found dead at his home in Twinbrook on Monday morning Dylan Fox was found dead at his home in Twinbrook on Monday morning

THE mother of a 17-year-old boy who died suddenly at his west Belfast home has said her "heart is shattered".

Dylan Fox, a Year 13 pupil at St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School on the Glen Road, was found dead on Monday morning.

It is understood he was discovered in his bedroom at the family home in Twinbrook.

His death has been described as "accidental".

Dylan's mother Tracy wrote an emotive tribute to her son on her Facebook page.

"My beautiful baby you have utterly ripped my heart apart how will (I) ever live without you," she wrote.

"You were my world my heart is shattered. I'm broken I'm dying inside."

Dylan Fox was found dead at his west Belfast home on Monday morning
Dylan Fox was found dead at his west Belfast home on Monday morning Dylan Fox was found dead at his west Belfast home on Monday morning

Dylan is survived by his parents Tracy and Mark, stepfather Oliver and younger brothers Brooklyn and Brandon.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Luke's Church in Twinbrook at 1pm tomorrow, followed by burial in Blaris Cemetery.

Siobhan Kelly, principal of St Mary's, said the school was informed of Dylan's death on Monday.

"This is a very sad time for Dylan’s family, friends and the entire school community," she said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends and class mates at this sad time.

"Dylan was a very popular student among his peers and with staff and had begun his Level 3 studies in our PE Department. He will be sadly missed by the entire school community."

She said Dylan's friends and year group had been offered support from the school's pastoral team, supported by the Educational Authority critical incident team.

"We are liaising closely with Dylan’s family and we are praying for them at this very difficult time," she said.

"An accidental death is hard to bear at any time for those closest, but when it is a young person with so much to live for and it happens during the Christmas season it is extremely difficult. Our staff have been exceptional under very difficult circumstances and will continue to offer their support."

The school has opened a book of condolence in memory of the teenager.