Family and friends grieve for special boy

William Thode. Photo / Supplied

A teenage boy who died suddenly in his sleep this week was a talented athlete who would "light up a room when he walked in".

William Richard Thode could not be woken on Wednesday by staff at King's College, where he boarded.

Police said the tragic death of the 15-year-old was not suspicious and they were waiting for test results.

Yesterday, his body was returned to his Remuera home, where family and friends were encouraged to visit him.

"He will be looking just as he usually does, possibly not quite so cheeky, though. Peaceful and dreaming of his biggest jump ever," his parents Richard and Kate Thode wrote on a Facebook site dedicated to their eldest son.

"He seemed to light up a room when he walked in. Big kid with a big heart and big character. Clearly so dearly loved and missed by so many. Love to you all out there."

The website had attracted more than 2800 fans by yesterday afternoon.

Many wrote comments about William's prowess in cricket and athletics, particularly the long jump, in which he represented King's College at national competitions.

Headmaster Bradley Fenner said the sudden and unexplained death of William was every parent's worst nightmare.

He said William had been active playing sport the afternoon before he was found dead and the loss of a universally liked student had rocked the tight-knit school community.

"I've never seen a school quite like it on Wednesday ... but there's a very strong spirit here. We've had messages of condolence from all over the country.

"He was just an outstanding young man," Mr Fenner said.

Geoff Burgess is the principal of St Kentigern School where William was a primary pupil between 2004 and 2007.

He said William was a talented athlete, but his greatest gift was an amazing spirit, for which he won a top school prize in his final year.

"You don't see many boys of that nature and calibre. He was a leader, but so humble and always looking after the younger students."

Mr Burgess said William's stay with a family in Queensland on a sports trip typified his attitude.

"The clouds came in, the sky darkened, so he ran outside to get the washing off the line. His host mother couldn't believe it. How many kids would do that as a visitor in a home?"

Other messages were published in family notices in the Herald, one noting that William was "adored and idolised" by younger brothers Oliver and Samuel.

His funeral service will be at King's College in Otahuhu on Monday.