Tributes have been paid to a superfit schoolboy who died after a party in Lanarkshire.
Rugby player Brandon Rice, 17, collapsed at a house party in Hamilton in the early hours of Wednesday morning and was rushed to hospital in East Kilbride.
Two girls, 16 and 17, and a boy, 16, also received medical treatment but are not believed to be in a serious condition.
Friend Molly Farquharson wrote on Instagram: “I’m never one to do things like this but my best friend deserves all the love and respect in the world.
“Safe to say I’ve never been more heartbroken in my entire life, Brandon you were the absolute world to me.”
Brandon had just finished fifth year at Hamilton Grammar School and was a player for Hamilton Rugby Club.
Best friend Jamie Murray wrote on Instagram: “Never thought I would have to experience something like this in my life but sadly my best pal passed last night.
“You will never be forgotten bro and will always be on my mind and in my heart.”
The cause of death has not been confirmed.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “About 3.30am on Wednesday, 17 July 2019, officers attended a house in Pitreavie Court in Hamilton following the report that a 17-year-old male youth had taken unwell.
“He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken by ambulance to the University Hospital Hairmyres where he died.”
Brandon's death follows a similar tragedy in Lanarkshire after , 23, passed away in the early hours on Monday morning.
Rebecca, 23, died after becoming unwell at a house in Bellshill at around 1.15am on Monday, July 15.
Two men, aged 21 and 26, who were in the house at the time were taken to University Hospital Monklands as a precaution but were not thought to have been seriously ill.
