Tonight:
9°c
Girl 'critical' in hospital after schoolmate kills himself
Danny Brierley01.05.09
A schoolgirl was left fighting for her life in hospital hours after a fellow pupil apparently took his own life.
Elliott Simms, a year 10 student at Sandringham school in St Albans, Hertfordshire, died in hospital after paramedics were called to a house in a nearby village.
He was taken to Watford General Hospital before being transferred to London's St Mary's but medics were unable to save his life.
The 14-year-old girl, who is in the same year as Elliot, was taken to hospital the day after from a house in St Albans.
Police said they were not treating the 15-year-old's death as suspicious and have refused to comment on any possible link between the two.
A Hertfordshire police spokesman said emergency services were called to a house in Sandridge on Tuesday after concerns were raised about Elliott's welfare.
In a letter to parents head teacher Alan Gray said the "gifted student" had committed suicide.
Mr Gray said: "He was a student who always stood up for his beliefs, with intelligent and informed opinions. He came from a supportive family, who have always encouraged him to the full."
He added: "Elliot was a student who had strong moral values and contributed fully to school life - he will be greatly missed by all who knew him."
The girl was taken to Luton and Dunstable Hospital before being moved to St Mary's, where her condition was described as critical.
It is thought the teenagers knew each other but were not close friends.
Reader views (2)
elliot, it was not time for you to go. you will never leave my heart. memories of us through a strong 15 years of childhood will never leave me. i promise. you were amazing. rest in peace x
- Samantha Ferguson, London England
My thoughts are with both pupils parents its tragic what are young people are doing to themselves and others and I worry as to what their generation will be like when they hit 40-50s
- Mike, London England
