British school pupil Jamal Ottun dies on school trip to Canada

The popular and talented young man died while on a swimming trip during a rugby tour

Jamal Ottun, a Year 12 pupil, died on a school rugby tour to Canada (Jamal Ottun/Instagram)

Jamal Ottun, an "extremely popular and talented" 17-year-old schoolboy from Surrey, has died while on a school trip to Canada.

Ottun, a year-12 pupil at Wallington County Grammar School near Croydon, died on Sunday while on a swimming trip during a school rugby trip to Canada.

Jonathan Wilden, Headmaster of the school, said in a statement that the emergency services were called to the incident, the details of which have not been released.

He writes that despite their assistance and the "considerable efforts of the School's own staff and students, Jamal could not be saved and sadly passed away at the scene."

The school's tour has now been curtailed and staff and students will shortly be returning to the UK.

The Headmaster said that professional support will be offered to all students and staff struggling with his death, and added that a remembrance area will be created in the school where friends can pay their respects.

Wilden wrote that Ottun's death has "left a huge hole" in the school's community, and praised him as a "generous individual" who was a talented sportsman and close friend to many.

The impact of his death upon the school is obvious through the response from his friends, many of whom have posted emotional tributes to him on social media.

His parents have been notified.