A former Brentford pupil who attended Gunnersbury Catholic School has died while returning from a sports trip in Italy.

John Igboanugo, a first-year undergraduate physics student at the University of Surrey, was believed to have been on a trip with the university's American football team, Surrey Stingers, at the time of his death.

Italian authorities said there is a possibility the student died from meningitis. However this is only suspected and the cause of the death has not yet been confirmed.

It is understood Mr Igboanugo attended Gunnersbury Catholic School in Brentford - a Roman Catholic school for boys - and used to live in Feltham where he attended St Lawrence Primary School.

The University of Surrey sent an email to students and staff about the matter.

The email said: "We have been in contact with close friends and colleagues of John to ensure their wellbeing. We will of course keep all staff and students updated with appropriate information when necessary."

Surrey Stingers, the American football team Mr Igboanugo was part of, paid tribute to their teammate in a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday night (April 7).

Surrey Stingers' Facebook tribute to teammate John Iboanugo
Surrey Stingers' Facebook tribute to teammate John Iboanugo

It read: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of John Igboanugo who passed away yesterday. An unbelievably humble guy who was so loving and inspired many Stingers.

"Such a talented guy who had his life taken away too early. You have brought happiness to those from your home and at University of Surrey and are forever in our hearts. Forever part of the Stingers family. Rest in peace John."

In a statement, the university confirmed it is working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the tour operator of the trip and Public Health England "to understand the full circumstances" of the death.

The statement added: "We are liaising with the family and our thoughts are with them and close friends at this distressing time. We are doing all we can to offer help and support to those affected through our well-established support services on campus."

Meningitis

The email sent out to students from the University of Surrey also provided advice from Public Health England on meningitis symptoms and support.

The signs and symptoms for meningitis are fever, vomiting, severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, seizures, confusion, irritability, confusion, extreme sleepiness and difficulty walking.

Find out more here.

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