A YOUNG sports star collapsed and died from a brain condition.

And as tributes poured in last night to talented teenager Huw Thatcher, his grieving family said: “It could have happened at any time”.

The parents of Huw, 15, are anxious to stress players involved in the soccer match in which Huw was playing had nothing to do with his tragic death.

The talented young football player died in hospital following a match in Brighouse at the weekend.

Sports-mad Holmfirth teenager Huw was playing for Hepworth United under 15s in a match against Brighouse Town Juniors when the tragedy unfolded.

The Holmfirth High School student collapsed after a tackle and was treated at the scene by a doctor.

He was rushed to hospital but died on Sunday night.

He is understood to have suffered a brain aneurysm which could have ruptured at any time.

His dad Nick Thatcher is the team manager and was watching the match.

Nigel Bowers, who shares the team manager role with Huw’s dad Nick, said: “Nick, his wife Jenny and Huw’s younger sister Carys are obviously devastated by what has happened.

“They are all, however, keen to point out that this could have happened at any time and they do not want to apportion blame to anyone from the opposing team, particularly the boy involved in the tackle before Huw collapsed.”

Around 200 friends and family members gathered at an impromptu meeting at the Sands recreation ground, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, where they laid floral tributes and football shirts as a memorial.

Did you know Huw? Leave your tributes to him in the comment box below.