Friends of a 14-year-old Spina Bifida sufferer who died at Boston Children's Hospital have paid tribute to the "larger than life" youngster.

Edwone Lottimore, a popular member of the WindReach Slammers wheelchair basketball team, died on Saturday after complications during an operation on his spine.

Cherie Henderson, who had known Edwone since he was a baby through the Grace support group for disabled children, said he was nicknamed 'Showtime' because of his bubbly personality.

"He loved church and was really enthusiastic about school and anything that touched life. He never had a 'down' day ? with him it was all or nothing," said Mrs. Henderson. "I never heard him once complain about his disability or the things he couldn't do."

The wheelchair-bound teenager, from Cricket Lane, Sandys, had been a member of the Slammers for two years. However, Mrs. Henderson, who helps with transport for the team, said Edwone had been unable to play since having surgery last October. He had been receiving treatment in Boston since July.

"All the team are very sad and will miss him. He was so into everything and bigger than life," she said. Members of the team have signed a basketball to place in Edwone's coffin.

The youngster was a popular member of the congregation at the Healing Centre in Somerset, which is part of the New Testament Church of God.

Reverend Dianne Tacklyn of the church said: "He was an excellent young man. Everything to him was the Lord. He loved Jesus with all his heart, and wanted the Bishop's job."

"We are very sad, and the young people especially are trying to cope with news of his death. He touched everybody's life, from the oldest to the youngest."

Edwone attended Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, which is now mourning the loss of two students in the space of a week.

Six-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Jeremy Bordage, who inspired the Team Hope charity runners to raise $116,000 in this year's May 24 Marathon Derby, died on Thursday.

Principal Bonnie McGlynn said of Edwone's death: "We are going to miss him greatly. He was a big part of the school."

Edwone's parents, Lisa Johnson and Edward Smith, were said by friends of the family to be in the United States yesterday. Edwone's body will be flown back to Bermuda at a later date and plans for his funeral have yet to be announced.