Tributes have flooded in for an “extremely popular” Sydenham pupil who died while on tour with his school rugby team, leaving a “huge hole” among those who knew him.
Jamal Ottun was in Canada with his Wallington County Grammar School (WCGS) teammates when he drowned during a scheduled swimming trip on Sunday, July 12.
Despite the attention of emergency services and the efforts of the school's staff and students, Jamal died.
A tribute site on Facebook has been liked by 650 people, with a string of tributes to the talented teenager.
Sobodun Kayode Johnson wrote: "Jamal why? What a great loss, I spoke to him just before they travel, very gently boy. May God be with his family on this sad moment especially his mum."
And Tinuke Bakrin-Ottun wrote: "My most loved nephew and young friend.... It sure hurts, and there's just no remedy for this kind of pain."
Jamal with Kelly Brook
Jonathan Wilden, headmaster at Wallington County Grammar School in south west London, said: "Jamal was an extremely popular and talented student.
“He was a very generous individual, always looking for the best in people and wanting to help them achieve great things.
"We are devastated by these events and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will ensure that no effort is spared in supporting them."
The school has said the tour has now been curtailed and students and staff will return to the UK today.
Two staff members are set to remain in Canada to assist members of Jamal’s family who the school said are hoping to travel out soon.
Jamal tweeted this photograph from his Instagram account on July 12
Jamal's school also released a tribute to the “talented” Year 12 student.
It read: “It is with great sadness that we now confirm that during a scheduled swimming trip on Sunday, July 12, while on the school rugby tour to Canada, Jamal Ottun, an extremely popular and talented Year 12 student, required support from the emergency services.
“Despite their response, and the considerable efforts of the school’s own staff and students, Jamal could not be saved and sadly passed away at the scene.
“Jamal was an exemplary Walcountian.
“During his time with us he developed a true love for Wallington County Grammar School and this was reciprocated by those who knew him too.
“He was a very generous individual, always looking for the best in people and wanting to help them achieve great things.
“Jamal would have continued to be a fantastic role model for others in the school and beyond, and would have undoubtedly become a great leader as house captain of Carew as part of the school’s house system.
“Jamal was a very keen sportsman, be it on the rugby pitch, the running track or excelling in virtually any other sporting activity.
“The short time that he did spend on this trip was characterised by tremendous fun as demonstrated by the photographs that he had already shared with family and friends.
“Jamal’s family are obviously devastated by these events, and our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this time.
“We will continue to work closely with the family and are ensuring that no effort is spared in supporting them.
“Our thoughts are also with the staff and students who were with Jamal, and who are having to cope with this tragedy.
“The tour has now been curtailed and the students and staff will be returning to the UK shortly. “
The school said Jamal's death had left a “huge hole” in the WCGS community and that it had impacted all staff, students and those who had come in contact with him.
Wallington Grammar also thanked their Canadian hosts Shawnigan Lake School for the support that they have offered and also to the authorities in British Columbia.
The statement concluded: “I am sure that you will want to join with us in remembering an extraordinary young man.
"The school has created an area for remembrance at the front of school. This area will be available to access by anyone within the WCGS community.“
Would you like to pay tribute to Jamal? Call the newsroom on 01689 885714 or email mchandler@london.newsquest.co.uk
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