The community of Staxigoe in Caithness has been left devastated following the sudden and tragic death of an 11-year-old boy on New Year's Day.
A Day of Tragedy
Mason Neal began feeling unwell on the morning of Thursday, 1 January 2026. The schoolboy was rushed from his home in Staxigoe, outside Wick, to Caithness General Hospital after complaining of feeling poorly. Despite medical intervention, he tragically passed away just hours later on the same day.
Police Scotland confirmed they were called at around 11.10am to a report of a young boy who had taken unwell. A statement clarified that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and that a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, as is standard procedure.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Tribute
In an emotional social media post, Mason's mother, Lucy, described her profound grief and paid tribute to her son's character. She wrote that reality had not yet sunk in, stating that words like 'devastated' and 'heartbroken' did not capture the depth of the family's loss.
She remembered Mason as a 'loving, caring, bright, cheeky and handsome little man'. In her poignant message, she reflected on the 4,322 days she had with her son, declaring they would never be enough. 'I want you back, we want you back! Love you more. Forever 11,' she wrote, urging others to hold their loved ones tighter.
Community Rallies in Support
In response to the tragedy, members of the tight-knit local community have mobilised to support Mason's grieving family. A fundraising page was established to aid his mother, Lucy, and his big sister, Phoebe, describing them as 'devastated and need our support'.
The campaign has seen an outpouring of generosity, with donations surpassing £13,500 to help the family navigate this unimaginable loss. The fundraiser's organisers stated their simple aim was to support a grieving local family in their time of need.
The sudden death of a child sends shockwaves through any community, leaving questions and profound sadness in its wake. As investigations continue through official channels, the focus in Caithness remains on supporting a family coming to terms with a loss that, in his mother's words, 'makes no sense'.
