Mom’s heartbreak when the “lovely” son dies in his sleep shortly after high school

John Nesbitt, 18, was looking forward to going to university to study engineering when he died unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Warrington, Cheshire

A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to her “love” who died unexpectedly in his sleep just after graduating from high school.

John Nesbitt, 18, was looking forward to studying mechanical engineering at the University of Birmingham when he suddenly died in his sleep from a rare heart condition that showed no signs or symptoms.

John’s heart stopped due to an arrhythmia caused by myocarditis – a condition in which the body’s immune system causes inflammation in response to infection.

The condition is extremely rare and can be triggered by something like the common cold.

His mother Sheila, from Warringtontold the echo John was a “loving, happy young lad” who “saw the best in everyone”.

She said: “One only has to think of the good.

“I’m just very lucky to have had such a lovely, happy young lad. I’m just so happy that his life was a happy life. He was always so patient and conscientious.”

Before his death, John had worked at a summer club and helped international students improve their English.

The popular teenager had also recently returned from a holiday with friends in Ibiza and was a huge cricket fan and supporter of Liverpool FC.

Sheila added that “a part of her feels lost after the death of her son,” but a number of charitable fundraisers have already been set up in his memory.

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital is conducting research into Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, using donations to monitors that detect a tendency towards arrhythmia in patients.

The hospital’s cardiac team has already helped the family understand John’s death.

Sheila added, “This research is of paramount importance in preventing tragic young deaths for other families.”

Harriet Hill, one of John’s best friends from school, signed up to run the Manchester Half Marathon in memory of John and raised money for the hospital.

Harriet said: “John really was one of the best people you’ve ever met. I don’t think anyone could blame the boy.

“Everyone just really liked him – he was very popular, hardworking, he volunteered for charity. He was just an amazing person.

“John lived in the moment and enjoyed every day, he saw the best in everyone. He had an infectious smile and the ability to brighten everyone’s life.”