“She had only taken him to the doctor a few weeks ago and said they put it down to growing pains or a viral infection,” Harley’s former elementary school teaching assistant, Kaylee Jackson, who is also a close friend of Harley’s mother, told the Mail.

“Obviously, you don’t think that at 16 they could be seriously unwell. I don’t think he showed any real signs and symptoms to either of his parents.”

The leukemia had caused internal bleeding within Harley’s brain and several organs. He was admitted to hospital on the Saturday, and just a few hours later – in the early hours of Sunday, November 9 – Harley passed away.

“She hadn’t even processed he had leukemia before she was told he had passed away,” Kaylee said.

A family friend has since organized a GoFundMe page to help the teen’s family with the funeral expenses.

“His warm heart, bright smile, and love for football touched everyone who knew him. Whether he was on the field or cheering from the sidelines, the game brought him so much happiness and brought people together,” the fundraiser reads.

Harley was the second of six children and a beloved member of his the local community.

Rest in peace, Harley Andrews.