ouble tragedy: David Paul and Jamie Skinner
Two teenage footballers tipped for stardom died suddenly within hours of each other in the same city.
Jamie Skinner, 13, collapsed on the pitch yesterday while playing for Tynecastle FC, who have close links to Hearts.
Meanwhile rising Hibernian star David Paul, 18, died in his sleep at home in the early hours.
Spectators, police and paramedics battled to revive Jamie but he passed away soon after arriving at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
It is understood he suffered a cardiac arrest. A post-mortem examination will be carried out this week.
Jamie took ill at 11.50am during a game between Tynecastle and Spartans at Saughton Sports Complex.
A witness said: “The young lad was fine one minute and then he just collapsed.
“People at the game started pumping his chest and the ambulance crews took over, but he never made it.”
Another witness added: “Everyone is in shock.
"We can’t imagine what Jamie’s family are going through – and so close to Christmas. Jamie was so looking forward to Christmas.”
Jamie was a pupil at Liberton High School in Edinburgh. He played for Hearts under-14s in the first half of the season before joining Tynecastle.
The club, whose links to Hearts are close but informal, said Jamie died “playing the game he loved”.
They added: “He was a prospect who undoubtedly would have had a bright future in the game.
“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.”
Team-mates paid tribute to Jamie on Facebook and Twitter.
Close friend Ryan Day wrote: “It was a pleasure playing with you man! You were a great player! You always loved a selfie!
“From the boys at Hearts. We will never forget you!”
Another team-mate, Russell Cairns, wrote on Twitter: “R.I.P to one of my best friends.
“This is hard to take in, and to see it with my own eyes. I’m speechless. He was a legend.”
Senior players including former Rangers stars Charlie Adam and Peter Lovenkrands, Aberdeen’s Jamie Langfield and ex-Dundee United striker Johnny Russell also paid tribute to Jamie online.
Hearts said: “Jamie was a popular boy and a bubbly character. Everyone at the club is deeply shocked.”
David, whose younger sister died in similar circumstances in 2006, passed away at home in Edinburgh’s Fairmilehead.
Hibs chairman Rod Petrie said: “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 his family at this dreadful and difficult time for them.
“Everyone at the club is deeply affected by this.”
David could play in midfield or attack. His dad Gordon said through the club that the family were devastated.
He thanked those who offered condolences, and asked for privacy.
Police were treating his death as unexplained pending the results of a post mortem, but not suspicious.
Bloody hell what are the parents going through with two deaths in the same family,with the same condition ??
We lost our son,who was only 7 days old,some 24 years ago and it was an absolute nightmare for me and the wife.God knows how these poor parents are going to cope.Life can be a bastard !!!!
