HEARTBROKEN friends have paid tribute to a Rutherglen teenager who died suddenly after falling ill.

Nico Sweeney is understood to have passed away in hospital after taking an asthma attack on Monday.

He was just 16-years-old.

Friends and family took to Rutherglen Park to release balloons and lanterns in tribute to the "boldest and funniest" teen last night.

One pal wrote: "RIP Nico – lost for words. He was full of life and far too young! Can’t believe it man."

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Another added: "Never realise what you’ve got until it’s gone. Rest easy Nico. Truly was one in a million. Forever in our hearts. GBNF."

While another wrote: "Was at the wee memorial at Rutherglen scheme pitches paying my respects to Nico Sweeney.

"Rest In Peace wee man no one deserves to die this young, he was the boldest and the funniest out of the lot."

A GoFundMe page has been started to help his family with unexpected funeral costs.

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It reads: "We would like you to help and support the brief family of Nico Sweeney, who was taken so suddenly from an asthma attack at such a young age.

"Nico was a fun loving character to anyone who knew him and we would like to give him the send off he deserves."

To donate visit here