Tributes to schoolboy Rhys Murray, 16, who died at his first festival in front of friends after struggling to breathe

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy tragically died at a music festival in front of his friends after suffering an asthma attack.

Rhys Murray was attending the In It Together festival in Port Talbot, Wales, when he suddenly fell ill.

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Rhys and his pals were among 40,000 people due over the weekend at the three day event.

But the schoolboy tragically died from complications from a serious asthma attack on the first day after struggling to breathe.

Emergency services were called to the festival on the opening day on Friday but Rhys died on his way to hospital.

Tributes have now been paid to the "polite and respectful" teenager, of Port Talbot, South Wales.

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The teen was described by loved ones as having a "keen sense of humour" with a love for the arts.

Youth theatre group Afan Arts said: "It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Rhys Murray.

"A founder member of our youth theatre, Rhys was a highly skilled performer, a polite and respectful young man with a keen sense of humour. It has been a privilege for us to have him within Afan Arts and he will be missed enormously.

"His passion for performance shone. This no more so, than in his wonderful performance in the film ‘Same But Different’, of which we know he was immensely proud.

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"Rhys spoke so eloquently and passionately about his love of the arts and performance, in our Podcast, in January. It is a recording we will treasure.

"We send our love and support to Rhys’ family, his friends, Ysgol Cwm Brombil and all those affected by his passing.

"Afan Arts will use the healing power of the arts to support everyone, going forward, but for now we simply mourn his passing."

Meanwhile a spokesman for his school Ysgol Cwm Brombil in Port Talbot said: “It is with deepest regret that on Friday, May 26th, one of our valued pupils tragically passed away following a serious asthma attack which led to complications.

“Our most sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of this wonderful young man.”