Published: Thursday, 24th June, 2010 4:17pm

School head's tribute to tragic pupil

by Gary Fitzpatrick

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TRAGIC Dunfermline pupil Lauren Murphy, who died on a school trip to London, has been described as a "vibrant and popular girl".

Her schoolfriends and teachers who were with Lauren on the visit to the capital returned to Dunfermline late last night (Wednesday).

Lauren (14) had taken ill at the hotel the group were staying at in the early hours of yesterday morning.

She was rushed by ambulance to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival there.

Police are investigating the sudden death but have said there appear to be no suspicious circumstances.

St Columba's High head teacher Jim Mooney said, "Obviously the pupils, staff and wider school community have been shocked and saddened by Lauren's tragic death and we will be working together as a school community to help each other deal with this sad news.

"Lauren was an outstanding pupil and a real asset to the school. She was a vibrant, popular girl who was a great help to younger pupils and always willing to get involved with the life of the school.

"She will be missed by everyone who knew her and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

"We are still coming to terms with the shock of Lauren's death. When we have had time to come together and reflect we will look at the best way we can celebrate Lauren's life as a whole school community."

It is understood Lauren had been a pupil at St Joseph's Primary School, Kelty, but her family had since moved from the village.