A medical student who was fatally injured after an accident at a university gym was using a weight machine moments before he died.
Mohammed Farraj had been using a ‘Smith Machine’ at the University of Anglia’s Sportspark gym when he suffered from a sudden medical episode on October 16.
The 21-year-old is believed to have suffered ‘traumatic head injuries’ after losing control while in close proximity to some weights.
He was treated by paramedics when emergency services arrived there shortly after 7pm but he was declared dead at the scene.
The University initially referred to the incident as a ‘medical’ episode, but later confirmed he had suffered a head injury.
Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Farraj’s cousin, who asked not to be named, said: ‘It was a tragic accident and it was not a fault of the machine, from all we have been told.
‘Mohammed was using a Smith machine when he suffered a head trauma.’
She added: ‘He had no underlying health issues. ‘He was very fit and healthy, there was absolutely nothing wrong with him.’
It is thought Mohammed was killed after a weight or part of the machinery or bar crashed onto his head on the equipment.
‘But we do not want to go into detail while a health and safety investigation is ongoing,’ she added.
Witnesses told of hearing a ‘massive crash’ was heard in the gym before Mr Farraj was spotted lying on the floor.
His cousin said: ‘He suffered a fatal head trauma. Other gym users heard a loud bang and raised the alarm.’
A coroner gave the preliminary cause of death as a traumatic head injury. An inquest has been adjourned until February 21 pending reports.
His cousin paid an emotional tribute to the young medic, saying: ‘He was super smart and so likeable.
‘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.
‘His mother, father and younger teenage brother are in bits, they are heartbroken.
‘It’s all so fresh and since his passing family members have been visiting the house every day to pay their respects.
‘He had one of the biggest Muslim funerals in Stoke. So many people turned out.’
Kris Bowles, dean of Norwich Medical School, said: ‘It is with great sadness that I have to share the heartbreaking news that Mohammed Farraj, one of our second-year medical students, passed away 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.’
Tributes have been paid to the second-year university student, with minute silence held on campus on Saturday for people to pay their respects.
His university football team wrote: ‘A dear friend, brother and son departed this world.
‘Our best wishes and condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones.
‘Mohammed was someone who loved to stay fit and active, he was also an aspiring doctor. Mohammed was someone who represented all the university’s core values.
‘Anyone who met Mohammed can vouch that he was kind, caring and a joy to be around.
‘A minute’s silence was held at all of our games that took place on Saturday to pay our respect for Mohammed.’
In a statement at the time, Norfolk Police said: ‘Police can confirm a man has died following an incident at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
‘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.’
Several fundraisers in Mohammed’s name have been set up following his death, including one raising money for Human Appeal for building water wells which has raised more than $14,000 (£10,800).
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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