Counsellors and guidance officers are helping students traumatised by the sudden death of a colleague who collapsed just outside their school in Naxxar yesterday morning.

Matthew Demicoli, 17, was on his way to Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School at about 8am when he collapsed and died. An autopsy has confirmed that he died of natural causes. 

Matthew Demicoli, 17. Photo: Facebook

“There was commotion and counsellors were needed to help calm down some of the students. In the coming days, the counsellors will be available to offer all the necessary support the students may need,” an Education Department spokesman said. 

Yesterday a doctor was summoned to help distraught students who were under extreme shock. 

A ceremony to commemorate the deceased student will be held int he coming days. 

Many of the boy’s friends took to Facebook, expressing shock and sorrow. Most spoke of Mr Demicoli’s infectious smile.

“He had this grin that whenever you were in a bad mood he would instantly cheer you up. He was one of the funniest people I have ever met,” a childhood friend told the Times of Malta.

“I remember us talking about going to watch the new Star Wars film and I remember Matthew saying he would come along with me to watch it,” another friend wrote, adding he would still be saving his friend a seat at the cinema.