School mourns death of teenage pupil

SHAUN LOWTHORPE

A popular Norwich school girl has died suddenly days before her 16th birthday.

Kerri Mann collapsed and died after playing football on Monday night.

The Year 11 Earlham High School pupil was out with friends when the incident happened. She was due to celebrate her birthday on December 10

Alan Shawcross, assistant head teacher, said her death has stunned pupils and staff.

“Kerri was a bright, quiet and thoroughly lovely girl who was popular with both staff and pupils,” he said. “Our hearts and thoughts go out to Kerri's family at this very sad time.

“This was after school on Monday night. She had been playing football with her friends and they had stopped off to get something to eat on Dereham Road and she just collapsed,” he said. “It was unexpected and we don't know what caused it.

“We were all shocked when we got the news. Her step father came in first thing Tuesday morning and told us

“This was a big year for her with GCSEs coming up,” he added.

Mr Shawcross said specialist counsellors had been on hand to talk to pupils and tributes and flowers were being left at the school. A special memorial assembly is also taking place later this week.

“The pupils have organised a tribute to Kerri in an area of school where she often used to spend time with friends at break and lunch,” he said. “The Year 11s have been talking about it and writing poems. The kids have coped really well. Everybody was very shocked. She was one of those really nice kids it shouldn't happen to.”