A "well-liked and respected" caretaker at a secondary school has tragically died after suffering a suspected heart attack in the playground.
Emergency services rushed to attend Steve Hutchinson at De La Salle school, in Basildon, on Monday but they were unable to save him.
Headteacher Paul Norris said that Mr Hutchinson "will be very deeply missed" and the school has been closed until Wednesday.
Mr Hutchinson was the longest serving member of staff at the school who became ill on Monday morning and later the school announced the news that he had passed away.
Headteacher Mr Norris described Mr Hutchinson as a "well-liked and respected" member of staff, with his death "impacting" many members of our De La Salle community.
He suffered a suspected heart attack in the playground of the school but it is not known whether it was in front of pupils and the school refused to respond to questions aside from the statement made by Mr Norris.
Arrangements are in place for vulnerable pupils and remote learning will be given to pupils at home except for Year 11 students who should attend school as normal due to their mock exams.
Mr Norris stated: "Sadly a member of the school staff was taken unexpectedly ill this morning and later died.
"Mr Steve Hutchinson, a long-serving member of site staff, will be very deeply missed. I have spoken with his family, expressed my personal condolences and shared the sadness and prayers of the whole school community.
"I wish to praise the school staff for their exemplary swift action this morning. Emergency services were immediately called and quickly arrived. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Mr Hutchinson died.
"Long-established emergency procedures worked out by the school, in partnership with the Local Authority, were immediately enacted. After discussions with the Local Authority, Governing Body and Diocese, the school was closed today and will remain closed to most pupils tomorrow, Tuesday 7th March.
"The school will reopen as normal to all pupils on Wednesday 8th March. Arrangements are in place for vulnerable pupils and remote learning will be provided for all pupils at home.
"Year 11 should attend school as normal and continue with their mock exams. Mr Hutchinson was a well-liked and respected member of school staff and his death has impacted many members of our De La Salle community.
"De La Salle School is committed to the emotional wellbeing of all staff and pupils affected by this incident. Counselling services have been arranged and we will provide support for as long as it is required."
