“Profound sadness” in Co Derry following sudden death of “sensitive, caring and kind” schoolboy

Peter Bell had recently achieved GCSE success

There is “profound sadness” in Co Derry following the sudden death of a schoolboy who had recently finished his GCSEs.

Tributes and condolences have poured in for Year 11 St Pius X College, Magherafelt student Peter Bell, who sadly died on Saturday.

He was described by the school’s principal as “a sensitive, caring and kind young man” whose friends and classmates are “heartbroken by this sudden loss”.

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There have also been tributes from the local GAA club in Moneymore, where he had been an underage player, and the local Drummullan Community Group.

He is described in a family notice as “beloved son of Declan and Ursula and loving brother of Leona, Feargal, Priscilla, Martin, Joanne, Patrick and the late Teagan-Rose.”

St Pius X College principal, Mr Peter Friel, said in a statement: “It was with profound sadness that we learned of the sudden death of our Year 11 pupil, Peter Bell. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter’s parents, siblings and extended family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Mr Friel continued: “Peter was a sensitive, caring and kind young man who will be sorely missed by all in the St. Pius X family.

“Peter had a deep love for music, art and the Irish language, and had recently achieved success in GCSE Irish.

“His friends, classmates and all St Pius X College staff are heartbroken by this sudden loss.”

The school principal added: “Support is being provided by the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Service and our own Pastoral Team.

“We are grateful for the care and compassion being extended to both students and staff at this time. May Peter’s gentle soul rest in heavenly peace.

“Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí ar anam Pheadair.”

Moneymore GAC, in a statement, said: “The committee, players and members of Henry Joy McCrackens GAC, Moneymore are saddened to learn of the passing of our former underage player Peter Justin Bell, beloved son of Declan and Ursula and loving brother of Leona, Feargal, Priscilla, Martin, Joanne, Patrick and the late Teagan-Rose.

“We wish to take this opportunity to pass on our heartfelt sympathy to the Bell and McGuckin families at this very sad time.

“May Peter rest in eternal peace.”

Drummullan Community Group, meanwhile, said it is “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Justin Bell.”

A spokesperson said: “To his father Declan, mother Ursula, his brothers and sisters, his grandfather Seamus and the wider Bell family we offer our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. RIP Peter.”

Requiem Mass is due to take place in the Church of St. John and St. Trea, Moneymore on Wednesday.

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