A post-mortem has concluded that 14 year old Hamdan Aslam, who died at St Kentigern’s Academy in West Lothian on Tuesday, passed away of “natural causes.”
The verdict seems to rule out any foul play following social media speculation that he was being bullied and had been placed in a chokehold.
His family have stated that he had a pre-existing heart condition and have requested an end to social media speculation.
Police Scotland said officers were called to a report of concern for the teenager around 1.20pm. He was then taken by ambulance to hospital, but died a short time later.
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.”
Hamdan’s family have released the following statement through their solicitor Aamer Anwar: “Our family is left devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful boy Hamdan who brought so much joy to our lives. We want to assure Hamdan’s friends and our community that this was an entirely natural death and could not have been predicted.
“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.
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“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.”
According to community activist, Rizy Mohammed, Hamdan’s janazah will take place on Monday after Zuhr prayers at Livingston Central Mosque.
He said: “It is with great sadness to announce that Hamdan Aslam (14 Years Age) who was the beautiful and beloved Son of Muhammad Aslam from Whitburn has returned to his Creator.
Pic: https://www.mclh.co.uk/our-projects/st-kentigerns-academy-blackburn/
“A face of innocence, a heart as pure as a crystal, and his introverted personality told everything about this sweet lad.
“Young Hamdan went to school to learn and never returned. His two young siblings keep asking repeatedly where he is and when their older brother is coming home. They keep running to the door to welcome their hero who played and guided them like older brothers do.
“As a community, we are in tears and had our hearts wrenched out, we haven’t even met this schoolboy who never even finished his secondary education.
“At this time we seek solace in our faith and we recite the prayers which balm our pain. We also comfort one another through this dark chapter we are compelled to endure.
“We tap into our inner strength and look to the hereafter where we will all be together in peace, love, and laughter in eternal bliss.
“The sinless soul Hamdan does not require supplications. However, his family are desperately in need of them .. Pray for them that sabr/patience and acceptance come with God’s speed.
“May they all be together in Jannat al Firdows when the time is willed. Allah SWT knows best.”
