A TEENAGER who died after taking drugs was in the middle of his GCSE exams.

Connor Aston was just 15-years-old when he tragically died on Wednesday.

One of his friends, 18-year-old Alex Walker, is in a critical condition in hospital.

It is thought both had been using drugs, although detectives have yet to determine what is involved.

Connor, who lived in Skelmanthorpe with his mum Michelle, was a pupil at Shelley College. He was also a talented footballer, playing for Scissett FC Juniors.

He finished for study leave about a week ago but had GCSE exams until the end of June.

Alex had also been a pupil at Shelley College but left two years ago.

Connor died after collapsing at a house in Station Road, Skelmanthorpe, at about 4.20pm on Wednesday.

Police are still trying to determine how Connor came by his tragic death and are waiting for postmortem and toxicology results, which were conducted yesterday.

Friends and family have left tributes to Connor on Facebook sites, with more than 1,500 people writing messages about the teenager.

And Shelley College headteacher John McNally paid tribute to Connor, saying: “We are all devastated at the news of Connor’s tragic death and very concerned for Alex.

“Connor was a polite, friendly and popular student, who had a very bright future ahead of him.

“His teachers were delighted with the progress he had been making this year and we were all looking forward to celebrating his successes this summer.

“He had so much to look forward to, which makes his untimely death desperately sad for everybody who knew him.

“The thoughts of everybody at the school are with Connor’s family and we want to offer our deepest sympathy for their loss.

“Our thoughts and best wishes are also very much with Alex, who we are aware is seriously ill in hospital, and his family at this very difficult time.

“Alex left Shelley College just under two years ago and is still a popular person amongst his peers and current students.

“He is very well liked by staff, who remember him as a reliable, helpful student. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

The headteacher said they were doing everything they could to help students affected by Connor’s death come to terms with the tragedy.

Mr McNally added: “We will also be offering as much support as we can to his friends and fellow students, who are feeling his loss particularly deeply.

“The year 11 pupils are right in the middle of their exams at the moment, we’ve brought counsellors and education psychologists who will work with the students.”

Connor played for Scissett and coach Roy Bowen described him as a nice lad who got on well with everyone.

He played from the under 8s to the under 14s and had a spell at Honley.

“He was a good footballer, he had a lot of potential and skill,” Roy said.

“He could play up-front and midfield – he was happiest in midfield.

“He was a nice lad, he had a good mix of friends, he wasn’t at all disruptive.

“His mum used to come and support and watch him.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said that both boys were taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where Alex remains in a critical condition.

A policeman stood guard outside a house on Station Road yesterday as neighbours spoke of their shock.

Mark Lawton said: “I heard he was a good footballer, seemed a nice lad but didn’t know him.

“Everyone round here is shocked, it’s so sad that a young lad died in these circumstances and another is fighting for his life.”

He said police had been at the house since around 4.30pm on Wednesday.

Tributes have also been paid to Connor on Facebook.

One friend, Becci Senior, said she had known him for a decade, adding: “Rest in blissful slumber my friend, you’re safe in your youth now. My heart is with you and your family. Xxx.”