HEARTFELT tributes from home and abroad have flowed in memory of 18-year-old James Painton after he was fatally injured on the final day of a three-week school rugby tour in Argentina.
Macclesfield and the King's community - where he was a pupil - were left shocked and stunned after the sixth former was hit by a car driven by an off-duty police officer as he crossed the road outside a bar in Buenos Aires. He died later in hospital.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of 'culpable homicide' and was now confirmed to be over the alcohol level.
A Book of Condolence, set up in the Alan Cooper Library at King's, now has more than 100 moving messages and the Macclesfield Express website was inundated with poignant memories and support for his family. Messages have even been posted from host families in Argentina.
A member of the school's senior management team described the tributes to the popular pupil and promising rugby player as a "heartfelt outpouring of emotion".
She added: "There has been an overwhelming response to the Book of Condolence, so much that we are in the process of ordering a second one. The book is open at the school library for members of the school community, which in Macclesfield spreads far and wide."
Friends and most of the rugby squad have turned up to pen their own personal feelings and pay their respects.
Stephen Coyne, Head of Foundation at the King's School, said: "This is a devastating tragedy.
"First and foremost our thoughts are with the family and the school has and will do all in its power to support them in whatever ways we can.
"My concerns too are obviously for our staff and pupils. This has been a dreadful shock and ordeal for many people but they have all responded magnificently. However, professional support has been put in place should it be needed."
James' body has been flown back to the UK and his funeral is taking place on Monday, August 6, at St Michael's Church on Market Place in Macclesfield at 1.45pm.
His parents, Nigel and Shirley, and older sister Sophie, 20, of Byrons Lane, Macclesfield, have requested family flowers only with donations to Francis House Hospice or La Plata Rugby Club.
The two members of staff who stayed in Argentina acknowledged the "enormous" amount of help they received from La Plata Rugby Club.
James was on a three week tour of Argentina playing matches against local schools and club teams along with 35 other pupils, King's teachers and coaches from Macclesfield Rugby Club.
The winger, who was affectionately dubbed "The Speedboat" because of his pace on the field, had finished his A Levels and was hoping to study engineering at Edinburgh University.
The King's School has put a counselling service in place for staff and students who need support.
If you would like to pay your respects in the Book of Condolence please visit King's between 9.30am and noon or 1pm and 4pm.
