Collapsed Student Died Of Natural Causes: Jury

A coroner's jury on Tuesday unanimously concluded that a 19-year-old student died of natural causes after he collapsed while jogging during a physical education class in March 2019.

Xiao Yetao was a form four student at Lui Ming Choi Lutheran College in Tsuen Wan.

The coroner's court had heard during the inquest that Xiao died of heart inflammation.

His mother told the court during her testimony that a doctor had suggested Xiao might be suffering from heart problems after he twice fainted at school when he was in form three.

She had stated in a health declaration form that Xiao had been admitted to hospital, and subsequently updated the form saying he could not do vigorous exercise and could not jog because of his heart problems.

However, the PE teacher said he wasn’t aware of Xiao’s condition, and that he never saw the updated form before the student collapsed.

Speaking after the jury’s verdict, Xiao’s mother said she was upset that the school did not apologise.

"I will never be satisfied with the decision. My child has died, but the school didn't apologise," she said.

The jury of three men and two women recommended that education authorities should inspect schools at least once a year, to ensure that they follow the safety guidelines on physical education, and that they should penalise those who don't comply.