A 14-year-old boy who died following an incident at St Kentigern’s Academy in the Blackburn on Tuesday had an undetected heart condition and his death “could not have been predicted”.
Hamdan Aslam’s family released a heart-wrenching statement this afternoon after a post-mortem showed he had died from natural causes.
Police officers were called to a report of concern for the teenager around 1.20pm. He was taken by ambulance to hospital, but died a short time later.
As with any sudden death, a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Hamdan’s family released a statement through their solicitor Aamer Anwar, saying they had been left “devastated by the sudden and tragic loss” of their “beautiful boy” who brought so much joy to their lives.
The family said they wanted to stress to Hamdan’s friends and the community that this was an entirely natural death and could not have been predicted and wanted the “rumours to stop”.
They continued: “A full police investigation is being carried out, but we can confirm that Hamdan had a pre-existing heart condition that had never been detected, and sadly his death could have occurred at any time.
“There is no one to blame for his loss, it was God’s will.
“We know that Hamdan’s loss is being deeply felt by his friends and teachers and we would urge those who have engaged in rumours on social media to stop, it is untruthful and compounding our grief.
“Please take down the posts, the running commentary is unhelpful to the children, teachers and our family who have been left deeply traumatised and devastated.
“We know that Hamdan’s teachers and friends did everything possible to save his life and for that our family will for ever be grateful to them.”
Chief Inspector Jocelyn O’Connor said: “This has been a tragic incident which has deeply affected everyone at the school. Our thoughts remain with Hamdan’s family and friends at this very difficult time and we are providing our support to them.
“They have requested privacy and I would ask their wishes are respected.”
Andrew Sharkey, headteacher of St Kentigern’s Academy, said: “Hamdan was an exemplary student and he will be hugely missed by the St Kentigern’s community.
“Hamdan was a bright and diligent young man, and conscientious in his studies. He was very friendly, popular with his classmates and he had a close group of friends.
"He was always polite and well-mannered in class and popular with his teachers. Hamdan was kind and thoughtful in all he did and he was always happy, with a beautiful smile.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our dedicated team at St Kentigern’s Academy will continue to provide support to pupils and we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected.”
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