Tributes from family and friends have been paid to a 15-year-old boy who died after he was hit by a train. James Gibbs was struck on the head by a train passing through Treorchy railway station in South Wales on Thursday last week. The 15-year-old had moved from Torpoint to Treherbert in South Wales in November and his family say both communities have felt the loss. 'He will always be remembered by his smiley face,' said James' aunties Melinda Nicholls and Tracie Pote on behalf of mother Sharina and the rest of the family. James was waiting at the train station platform a foot from the edge while listening to his personal music player. He then turned to a friend and complained of feeling ill and as he leant forward was struck by a train passing through the station, the family told the Cornish Times this week. He was taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital at Llantrisant and then to the University Hospital of Wales where he underwent surgery but died the following day. James was a former pupil at Torpoint Community College where this week pupils, who remember him fondly, paid their respects. Students gathered for an assembly on Monday when a book of condolences was opened. 'James was a very popular member of the year group with both students and staff,' said James Senese, the head of year at Torpoint Community College. 'He was a smashing young man who will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He had a very positive approach to life, in and outside of the school. Our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult of times.' A commemorative oak tree will also be planted by the school in James' memory later this term. A website has also been set up at james- gibbs.gonetoosoon.co.uk where messages of condolences have been left.