Teenager, 14, who died at Scottish secondary school had heart condition and passed from natural causes

The family of a 14-year-old boy who died following an incident at a school have paid tribute to their “beautiful boy” as police confirmed he died of natural causes.

Hamdan Aslam’s family revealed he had a pre-existing heart condition that had never been detected, and said “sadly his death could have occurred at any time”.

Emergency services were called to St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian, to a report of concern for the teenager around 1:20pm on Tuesday.

Hamdan Aslam died at St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn of natural causes, police have said

He was taken by ambulance to hospital, but he died a short time later.

In a statement released through their solicitor Aamer Anwar, his family said: “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.

“We know that Hamdan’s teachers and friends did everything possible to save his life and for that our family will forever be grateful to them.”

The family also urged people to stop engaging in rumours on social media, saying “it is untruthful and compounding our grief”.

Police Scotland said that as with any sudden death, a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.

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.”

St Kentigern’s headteacher Andrew Sharkey 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.”