Hearts and Hibernian grieve after two teenage players die in Scottish capital



Scottish football was in mourning on Sunday night after the deaths of two promising young players rocked both Hearts and Hibs.

Jamie Skinner, a 13-year-old former Hearts schoolboy who had moved on to traditional feeder club Tynecastle FC, collapsed and died while playing for his team at Saughton on Sunday morning.

And, in a separate incident, it was later revealed that 18-year-old David Paul, a Hibs under-20s star, had passed away in his sleep in the early hours of on Sunday morning.

Tragic: Skinner died on Sunday attempting to head a ball while playing for Tynecastle DC

The tragic news left everyone at both clubs stunned, while messages of condolence poured in from across the game.

Perhaps the most poignant was the statement released by the Foundation of Hearts, the fans’ group involved in a buy-out of the club, which read: ‘A terrible day for our city, with players on “both sides” being taken from their families. It’s not fair. We stand united. We remember them.’

A statement from the Tynecastle club said: ‘Although Jamie was new to our Tynecastle family, he had up until recently been playing for Hearts. He was a prospect that undoubtedly would have had a bright future in the game.

Circumstances: Skinner was said to be attempting a header before he collapsed

‘No words can fully express our grief and dismay at seeing this happen. We can only pass on all our thoughts and prayers to friends and family and hope they will get some strength from the outpouring of love and support from everyone.

‘Everyone at Tynecastle is in total shock at what has happened, and we are sure the youth football community will join with us in also thinking of all the players, coaches and supporters at the game who witnessed this sad event, and the club also thanks everyone who tried to assist.

‘As a mark of respect all Tynecastle teams will hold a minute’s silence before their next game.’

The club posted on Twitter: ‘No words can express the grief and dismay we feel following the sudden death of Under-14s player Jamie Skinner, we thank you all for your support.’

Last night Tynecastle Football Club vice-chairman Simon Kinghorn said Jamie had collapsed just before noon yesterday, early in the second half, and died despite attempts to revive him. There was speculation he had died from heart failure but this was not confirmed by police or club bosses.

Tragically, both Jamie’s father, George, and the player’s brother were watching the match on the touchline.

Kinghorn added: ‘I’ve spoken to the family, who are devastated, obviously. They are trying to come to terms with this awful news and these tragic circumstances. We as a club will do anything we can to support them.

‘They are just besides themselves at the moment. For this to happen at any time would be tragic but three days before Christmas it’s just absolutely terrible. It’s a time when families are getting together and this one has just been ripped apart.’

Among footballers to express early condolences were Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam, who Tweeted: ‘Thoughts go out to the family of Jamie Skinner who sadly died playing football today at the age of 14.’

Passed away: Hibernian expressed their sadness following the death of youth team player David Paul

Aberdeen star Niall McGinn added: ‘Thoughts and prayers are with the family and close friends of the young boy Jamie Skinner who died whilst playing football today.’

News later emerged that Hibs player Paul, an 18-year-old who could play in midfield or attack, had passed away in his Edinburgh home. Police confirmed they had been called to deal with a ‘sudden’ death but said initial inquiries suggested there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’.

The teenager’s father, Gordon, said the family were devastated and thanked everyone for their sympathy and asked for the family to be given privacy to deal with their grief.

Hibs chairman Rod Petrie said: ‘Everyone at the club is deeply affected by this. David was a talented and promising young footballer, and a fine young man.

‘Our thoughts, and the thoughts of the entire Hibernian community, are with David’s family at this dreadful and difficult time for them.

‘While we understand that people will want to wish to offer their support, we hope that the wishes of the family for privacy will be respected.’

Tribute: Hibs skipper Liam Craig (left) Tweeted that he was shocked and devastated to hear of the news

Club captain James McPake tweeted: ‘When people die I hear it too often that he/she was such a nice person! However in David Paul’s case it’s completely true. A young gentleman! RIP Condolences to the family Of David and also Jamie Skinner of Tynecastle FC’s family. Two young men gone too soon. A very sad day for football.’

Hibs midfielder Liam Craig said: ‘Shocked and devastated to hear the news of young David Paul. Thoughts are with his family,a young man who won’t be forgotten. #RIPDAVID My thoughts also with the family and friends of young Jamie Skinner...an extremely sad day. RIP Jamie and David.’

Ryan Baptie, a team-mate of Paul’s at Hibs, also Tweeted: ‘I will never forget the memories we had, you will forever be in my heart. My best friend, my brother, I love you. Rest in peace David Paul.’

Celtic star Joe Ledley also paid tribute to both youngsters in separate messages, saying: ‘My thoughts are with Jamie Skinner’s family. A tragic loss and at such a young age,’ and ‘My deepest condolences to David Paul’s family at this awful time.’

News of the tragedies spread beyond football, with European indoor 800m champion – and Edinburgh girl – Lynsey Sharp taking to Twitter to say: ‘Hearing about the sudden deaths of 2 young footballers today. Very sad day for Edinburgh. RIP.’