Talented footballer in overdose death
Aug 18 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
A FAMILY is mourning the death of a talented young footballer following a suspected tablets overdose.
Jamie Vayro, 22, was top scorer for his local team last season with 28 goals.
And he was due to receive his trophy soon from team-mates at Hallgarth Manor football club, who play in Durham Sunday League. He was found dead in bed at his grandparents’ home in Woodlands View, West Rainton, near Durham, on Thursday.
Yesterday his family were gathered at the house where Jamie lived with grandparents Bill and Ruth.
His father Andrew, 41, who works in Aberdeen, Scotland, said: “Jamie was on medication for depression but there was a mix-up and he couldn’t get his tablets for a couple of weeks.
“He got a hold of some valium tablets from somebody local and took too many. He went to sleep and didn’t wake up.
“I want other kids to read about what happened to him to make them realise they are not invincible. If you take too many tablets this will happen to you.” Mr Vayro described his son as a talented footballer who had played at schoolboy level for Durham County.
He played for a number of local sides, and had been turning out for Hallgarth Manor FC, based at Pittington, near Durham, for the past two seasons.
“He could play anywhere, defence, midfield, striker. Last season he played centre-forward and was top scorer with 28 goals. He was going to be presented with a trophy for being top scorer.
“He was football mad and a big Newcastle United fan.” Arrangements are still being made for Jamie’s funeral at St Cuthbert’s Church, Durham.
His mother, Tracy, 41, a drug and alcohol counsellor, added: “We would like his friends to turn up in their football tops, and wearing a red rose if they want.
“It doesn’t matter what team colours people turn up in, even Sunderland, Jamie would have liked that.”
She said her son had had “a number of issues” which meant he was prescribed medication, but added: “We are certain he took an accidental overdose of tablets, and that he didn’t intend to kill himself.
“He was a well-liked, friendly lad who was close to his brother and sister, Jake and Carly.”
