A schoolboy has tragically died after suffering an 'horrific' asthma attack during a basketball game.
Joshua Ruff, 11, could not be revived despite the frantic efforts of parents, staff and paramedics at Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay, Victoria, last Wednesday.
An outpouring of tributes have flowed for the Year Six Torquay College student from devastated family and friends who remembered Joshua as a 'beautiful soul'.
Joshua Ruff, 11, suffered a fatal asthma attack during a basketball game last Wednesday
'My beautiful boy, words can't describe how much we miss you,' his mother Melissa wrote on Facebook.
'You filled our hearts with so much joy from the minute you were born and were so kind, caring, funny, loving and just the most beautiful soul.
'We know you are in heaven, hanging out with Jesus and that is what is getting us through and bringing us peace, we will see you soon my precious boy.'
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ShareA makeshift memorial was setup the day after Josh's death, with locals leaving flowers at the Torquay Basketball Stadium.
The family said they would be eternally grateful to everyone who rushed to Josh's aid and thanked the community for their support.
'We will be eternally grateful to everyone, friends, other parents, and staff that assisted Josh on the night and all they did to try to keep Josh alive,' they said.
Josh's mum Melissa shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing her boy as 'the most beautiful soul'
'The Surf Coast Basketball Association, staff at Wurdi Baierr Stadium, all the many ambulance and police officers and coronial staff were all absolutely amazing, so loving and caring to Josh and us.
'We want to thank all our family, friends and the Torquay community, who have showered us with so much love and support – it has been simply amazing and has carried us through this time.'
A GoFundMe has been set up on behalf of the family to help support them through the tragedy and has already raised more than $100,000.
'Mel, Aaron and Annabelle tragically lost their beloved son and brother, Josh aged 11, in a horrific asthma attack last night at basketball,' the fundraiser reads.
Parents, staff and paramedics at Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay, Victoria, (pictured) tried desperately to revive Josh last Wednesday.
'We want to support them through the next few months of grieving, and we know many families want to support them also.'
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects the airways and can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness and fatigue.
One in every nine Australians have asthma, or around 2.7million people, with the condition common in boys aged 14 and younger, according to Asthma Australia.
Asthma flare-ups can occur when sufferers are exposed to certain triggers like allergens, cigarette smoke, exercise and thunderstorms.
While there is no cure, the condition can be treated by managing symptoms and using a preventative medication like puffers and inhalers.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA?
Persistent cough, irrespective of sound it makes.
Wheezing – high pitch whistling sound made by narrowing of airways
Breathing difficulties – sometimes the signs of airways tightening do not result in any sounds (silent asthma) we are familiar with such as wheezing and coughing.
Tightening of chest and chest pain
Source: Asthma Australia
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