An 11-year-old schoolboy died ‘suddenly’ on New Year’s Day hours after feeling unwell.
Mason Neal, from Staxigoe in Caithness, was rushed to hospital after complaining of feeling poorly on January 1.
The schoolboy tragica€lly died just hours later on the same day.
In an emotional tribute to her son, Mason’s heartbroken mother Lucy described him as a ‘loving, caring, bright, cheeky’ and ‘handsome little man’.
She wrote on social media: ‘Reality hasn’t sunk in yet. To say I’m devastated, heartbroken and utterly destroyed doesn’t even come close to how I, how we are feeling.
‘On the 1st of January 2026, we said goodbye to our boy, my Mason, as he closed his eyes for the last time.’
The mother added that the tragedy ‘makes no sense’, and said she is still ‘processing our loss’.
‘For now hold your loved ones a little tighter and a little longer, for my loving, caring, bright, cheeky handsome little man, Mason. 4,322 days with you will never be enough, my Mason – I want you back, we want you back! Love you more. Forever 11,’ she wrote.
Members of the family’s community have supported them by setting up a fundraiser, which has so far raised more than £13,500.
Mason Neal, 11, (pictured) died ‘suddenly’ on New Year’s Day hours after feeling unwell
The fundraiser states: ‘A small group of us in the Staxigoe community would like to raise money to support a grieving, local family.
‘Mason Neal, age 11 suddenly died on New Year’s Day.
‘His Mum, Lucy and big sister Phoebe are devastated and need our support to help them on this tragic journey.’
Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mason’s death, adding a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
A Police Scotland statement said: ‘Around 11.10am on Thursday, 1 January 2026, police were called to report that a young boy had taken unwell in Staxigoe, outside Wick. He was taken by ambulance to Caithness General Hospital where he died later in the day. His family is aware.
‘There are no circumstances surrounding his death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.’
