Kayden Moodley in a photo taken a few minutes before his untimely passing
Image: Facebook
Kayden Moodley, the 15 -year-old schoolboy who tragically died moments before he could play a hockey match on Tuesday, had no underlying illness.
His sister Tammy said, "Kayden was well and had no underlying conditions. He had the flu last week but had fully recovered."
His sudden death has shocked his family, friends and school community.
The Grade 10 learner from Glenwood High School, Durban was participating in a warm-up soccer game when he requested to be substituted and stepped aside for some air.
Tammy said they were still awaiting the post-mortem results to know the cause of death.
She recalled that Kayden's identical twin, Kellen, had received a call from a friend saying your brother fainted and your parents needed to come.
"No one had called from the school. My mum and dad were in the area and rushed to the astro. My mum called me from there hysterically saying he's not breathing. I didn't understand my mum so I called our helper at home.
"I left work when Kellen called to fetch them on the way because they heard Kayden was not breathing. When we got there Kayden was unconscious and the paramedics were doing CPR. They then said there was nothing they could do," said Tammy.
She said it was hard to imagine how someone so young could suddenly fall sick and die.
"He loved playing soccer, cricket and hockey. He loved being outdoors. Kayden was a gentleman and very affectionate. I used to tease him and call him Smotherson because he was tall and loved to smother me with love and hugs," she said.
Tammy said Kayden always wanted to be famous.
"I guess now he is famous but not for the right reason," she said.
Kayden Moodley
Image: Facebook
His distraught mother Kammy described Kayden as a jovial person.
"He was the life of the party. People of all different faiths were praying for him on the grounds," said an emotional Kammy.
Tammy and Kayden Moodley
Image: Facebook
The KZN Department of Education has offered condolences.
"As the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, we recognise the immense grief felt by all who knew him. We will continue to work closely with Glenwood High School to ensure that the necessary psychological and emotional support is provided to learners, educators, and the bereaved family," said the MEC for education, Sipho Hlomuka.
Kayden's funeral will take place on Friday at Clare Estate Crematorium.