A 12-year-old boy has died after being hit by a fence in a freak accident while watching a football match.
Oliver Croker was at a youth team game in Devon on Saturday when he was struck by part of the fencing – described as a hoop – and it became “lodged” in his head.
He was airlifted to hospital from the playing field in Bradninch, a town close to Exeter, and later died, police have confirmed.
Andrew Lovett, the headteacher of Oliver’s school Tiverton High, said he was a "larger than life character" who was brimming with enthusiasm.
"It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of Olly Croker in a freak accident at the weekend," he said.
"In describing Olly, the first words that come to mind are that he was the life and soul of the party; a larger than life character, brimming with confidence, with an eagerness and enthusiasm for taking part in all aspects of school life.
"His youthful vibrancy and curiosity about life shaped his whole character."
Bradninch Youth Football Club, where the match was played, said it was "unclear" how the accident happened.
A spokesman reportedly said: “As many will have heard, a freak accident took place at Kensham Park at the end of a football match between Bradninch and Bampton on Saturday September 12.
"A hoop used as part of fencing became lodged in the head of a young lad from Bampton who had been watching the match.
"At this time, it is unclear how the accident occurred.
"All at Bradninch are absolutely shocked and devastated by this tragic accident and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Oliver."
Tiverton headteacher Mr Lovett added: "He was a very knowledgeable and sparky lad with his finger on the pulse of what was going on at school, in the local community and beyond.
"He was multi-talented and we had high hopes for his future. Olly was a keen sportsman and represented THS at rugby and even played up an age group.
"Our thoughts and wishes are with Olly's parents and brothers."
A local authority inquiry has been launched into how he was injured.
