A COMMUNITY has been left in mourning after a teenager died suddenly from a heart attack.

Jack Atkinson, 18, was playing for Holland FC Under-18s on Sunday morning when he collapsed on the pitch.

The East of England Ambulance Service dispatched two rapid response vehicles with one on scene within six minutes.

They were followed by an ambulance crew, an air ambulance from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust and an ambulance officer.

Jack, from Clacton, was not breathing and was confirmed to have suffered a cardiac arrest.

He was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Harefield Hospital in a critical condition.

However, despite the efforts to save him, Jack died.

His family took the heart-breaking decision to turn off the life-support machine on Monday.

His family and friends have been left devastated by his loss.

The football club has paid tribute to the popular defender and Spurs fan describing him as a “gentle giant”.

The club said: “Jack was a well-liked and important member of Holland FC. Jack was in his fourth season and making his transition into men’s football.

“He was a gentle giant with a great sense of humour and popular with all people who had the privilege to know him.

“Jack was a great friend, honest and loyal and respected by his peers. His loss will be felt by the football community and by all his friends at the club.

“As a club with a full youth section we see young players going out to play the game they love every weekend and it is incomprehensible that they will not come home safely after the game.

“Our thoughts are with all of Jack’s family, friends, team mates and his club at this time.”

The match was abandoned as it became clear Jack was seriously ill.

Heartbroken team-mate Shane Spacey, 18, set up a GoFundMe page following the tragedy.

It raised £500 in just ten minutes and has now topped £4,000 for Jack’s family.

Shane’s mum Kim said: “Jack was just such a special kid. My son was so close to him and had been playing Sunday League football with him for at least eight years.”

She added: “He was a gentle giant. I don’t think I have ever heard anyone say a bad word against him.

“You only have to go on Facebook at the moment to see the messages on there for him.

“He was so laid back - he was just a lovely guy. People at the club are in pieces.”

Friends met up at Holland FC last night to mourn their tragic team-mate.

They hope fans at Spurs’ match against West Ham on Saturday will applaud on the 18th minute in Jack’s memory.

To support the fundraising page, click HERE.