THE family of a 16-year-old from Maesycwmmer who died suddenly on a night out with friends a few days before Christmas have paid tribute to a “beloved son”.

Joshua Kyle Woodyatt, known as Josh, had been complaining of feeling hot on the night of Sunday, December 22, before collapsing to the ground in Cefn Hengoed at around 7pm.

Josh, who was asthmatic, had been taking his inhaler constantly that night.

A post-mortem examination showed there was nothing suspicious surrounding his death, but confirmed it was asthma-related, his family said.

Cllr Robin Woodyatt, Josh’s grandfather and cabinet member for social services on Caerphilly council, said Josh was “very outgoing, full of life, sporty, and loved his music”.

He had been with friends at a Christmas party in a house on Hengoed Avenue but had gone outside to get some fresh air before he collapsed.

Josh was due to start a new course at Ystrad Mynach College, Caerphilly, this week.

In a tribute, his family said: “Andrew and Sian Woodyatt, of Park Road, Maesycwmmer, sadly announce the passing of their beloved son, Josh, aged 16, suddenly of natural causes on Sunday, December 22.

“(Josh will be) greatly missed by sister Bethan and maternal and paternal grandparents and their families.

“The family wish to thank everyone for their sympathy and support at this terrible time.”

Tributes have been paid to the teenager on social media site Facebook, while a special assembly was held at Josh’s former school yesterday(Mon) in memory of the 16-year-old.

Chris Parry, the headteacher of Lewis School Pengam, said: “Staff and pupils at Lewis School Pengam were deeply saddened by the tragic news that Josh had passed away during the Christmas holidays.

“Josh was a likeable and popular student with a large group of friends, he was a larger than life character and the type of boy who would never walk by without a smile and a hello.

“He will be very much missed by everyone in our ‘family’ at Lewis School and our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends.

“He will ever be present in our thoughts.”

Harry Andrews, leader of the council, said: “On behalf of all at Caerphilly County Borough Council, our thoughts are very much with Robin and the Woodyatt family at this very difficult time.”

The service for Josh will be held tomorrow(Wed) in Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Maesycwmmer, at 2.15pm, followed by a service at Thornhill Crematorium.