A THURROCK school was in mourning today after the death of one of its students was announced.
A spokesperson for Ockendon Academy said:
"It is with great sadness we have to tell you of the death of one of our students, 16-year-old Temidayo Joseph.
The thoughts and prayers of students, parents, staff and governors are with Dayo’s family and friends.
It is impossible to put into words the shock and sadness our whole community has felt at the tragic loss of such a wonderful young man.
Dayo was equally at home with students, parents and staff. Everyone remembers his delightful personality and boundless energy. He had a smile and a joke for everyone, and was always there when someone needed cheering up.
After leaving school in June, Dayo came back every day as a volunteer in the P.E. department and also acted as a mentor for some of our younger students. He will be remembered as an outstanding athlete, sportsman and passionate footballer. He enjoyed great success playing for the school and Brandon Groves football teams.
Dayo’s popularity is clearly reflected by the numbers of students, parents, staff and members of the wider community who have visited the school to leave flowers, personal messages and tributes.
Dayo was a special young man who will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
We have been deeply touched and humbled by the outpouring of offers of help for all within the school community. When the school re-opens on Tuesday 2nd September special assemblies will be held and a range of support will be available for students and staff. More formal acts of remembrance will follow at a later date.
The Academy will be open every day this week from 9.00 am until 7.00 pm for people to pay their respects.
On Twitter:
@Frances_Onyinah tweeted : "My heart is with his family, and those at the Ockendon School right now."
@GemmaLilley tweeted: "Such a sad atmosphere all through Ockendon and Aveley everyone’s so greatly affected by the loss of this charming boy."
@Georgewhiteyy tweeted: "RIP dayo, true joker! No matter what you said to this boy he had a smile on his face. Didn’t deserve this man, not one bit."
