UEA student who died in on campus gym suffered from traumatic brain injury, inquest hears

Mohammed Farraj had been an ‘aspiring doctor’ before his death earlier this month

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A University of East Anglia student died as a result of a traumatic brain injury at the university’s on-campus gym, an inquest into his death has confirmed.

Mohammed Farraj, 21, died whilst training at the university’s Sportspark facility, earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to UEA’s Sportspark gym on 16th October following reports of a medical incident. However, Mohammed was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the BBC, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has also confirmed it is continuing its criminal investigation regarding the death.

However, Norfolk Police has said that its own investigation has included and it does not believe there was any third-party involvement.

Tributes have poured in for Mohammed, with one coming from the university’s football team which said: “Mohammed was someone who loved to stay fit and active, he was also an aspiring doctor.

“Mohammed was someone who represented all the universities’ core values … he was caring and a joy to be around.”

At the time, a spokesperson for the university confirmed a student died at the gym, saying: “Emergency services were called to the Sportspark gym shortly after 7pm following reports of a medical incident involving a man who had been using gym equipment,” the police spokesperson said in a statement.

“A man, aged in his 20s, was treated by paramedics but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed.

“The area was evacuated while emergency services provided medical treatment.

“A police cordon is in place and the gym will remain closed while enquiries are carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, which is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.”

The spokesperson also explained that there would be support available for students, if required.

The inquest has been adjourned until 21st February 2025, and the coroner has requested reports from student’s father, GP and the police.

Featured image via Google Maps

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