No health and safety breaches in UEA Sportspark gym death probe

An investigation into the death of a medical student who died while using a university campus gym has uncovered no criminal health and safety failings, a regulator has said.

Mohammed Farraj, 21, was declared dead at the scene in the University of East Anglia’s Sportspark in Norwich, Norfolk, on 16 October.

The provisional cause of his death at the opening of an inquest last year was given as a traumatic head injury.

“We thoroughly investigated this incident and after careful consideration decided against any further action,” said a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) spokesperson.

“We will review our decision if new evidence is presented throughout the inquest and will continue to assist the coroner.

“Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Mr Farraj.”

The HSE said its inquiry found the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 “could not be applied” to the case.

October’s inquest opening in Norwich heard emergency services were called to the scene, but the student was declared dead by the medical team.

Norfolk Police finished its investigation shortly after Mr Farraj’s death and said at the time “there was no third-party involvement”.

In an outpouring of tributes, friends of Mr Farraj, from Stoke-on-Trent, described him as a “hard worker”, “kind” and “clever”.

A tribute from the medical school said: “You had the potential to make a great doctor”.

The full inquest is due to take place on 26 March.