Tributes paid for UEA student who died after university gym equipment landed on his head

Tributes have poured in for a University of East Anglia student who died after a piece of gym equipment fell on his head whilst training in an on-campus gym.

Mohammed Farraj, 21, was using the Smith machine at UEA’s Sportpark when the bar came down on him causing a “traumatic” head injury.

According to the Daily Mail, the incident was thought to have happened after Mohammed lost control of the weights.

Emergency services arrived at the scene at 7pm on 16th October but Mohammed was pronounced dead at the scene.

An inquest into his death has been adjourned until 21st February next year, pending reports from student’s father, GP and the police.

A number of his friends and family have spoken out publicly about Mohammed, calling the aspiring doctor, “super smart and so likeable”.

In a tribute, his cousin said: “I don’t think I have ever met anyone like him in my life. He was so intelligent and there was always so much you wanted to ask him.

“He was the purest and kindest soul and was always there to help others.

“He always put others before himself and he really wanted to be a doctor. He was very, very optimistic and looking forward to his future.

Mohammed’s cousin continued by saying that his family are “in bits, they are heartbroken”, and added that he had “one of the biggest Muslim funerals in Stoke.”

His friends also spoke to the BBC, saying “he deserves to be remembered” and that the time since his death had been “a bit of a blur”.

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According to UEA, Mohammed was a member of a number of university societies, such as the UEA Boxing. Friend and president, Isaac Rodriguez, said he was “by far the hardest worker in the gym,” adding: “He… never gloated and was so compassionate, so kind and always there to help people.”

Mohammed also played for UEA’s men’s football team, who released a tribute post in his memory.

Team members also held a minute’s silence for their “dear friend”.

The university has also paid its tributes to Mohammed with Kris Bowles, dean of Norwich Medical School, saying: “It is with great sadness that I have to share the heartbreaking news with you that Mohammed Farraj, one of our second-year medical students, passed away on 16th October following an incident at UEA Sportspark.

“My heart goes out to his family. I just cannot imagine what they are going through at present.

“He had all the potential to be a great doctor, so it is with great sadness that we hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

A fundraiser has been set up in his memory to raise money for Human Appeal in order to build wells. It has so far raised more than £11,000 for charity. You can donate here.

Featured image via SWNS/family handout