School community in mourning after student dies following medical emergency in Hawkwood Lane
A secondary school in Chislehurst has been left devastated following the sudden death of a 15-year-old pupil who collapsed during a medical incident on Monday, May 13.
The student, who fell seriously unwell while at the school in Hawkwood Lane, was taken to hospital by London’s Air Ambulance but was sadly pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
His death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious, police confirmed.
Headteacher: ‘A much-loved member of our school family’
In a heartfelt statement, headteacher Claire Bessa said:
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of one of our pupils following a medical emergency on 13th May.
Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the pupil’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
We are in close contact with the family and are supporting them in every way we can.”
She added that specialist support was being made available for students and staff as the school community comes to terms with the tragedy.
“We kindly ask that the privacy of the family and school community is respected, as we grieve the loss of a much-loved member of our school family.
The appropriate authorities have been informed. No further comment will be made at this time.”
Emergency response: Paramedics and Air Ambulance on scene
A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said crews were called to the school at 1.20pm on May 13:
“We sent two ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer to the scene.
We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance. The first paramedic arrived in less than five minutes.
We treated a teenager at the scene and took him to hospital by road as a priority.”
Despite their efforts, the boy later died in hospital.
Met Police confirm no suspicious circumstances
The Metropolitan Police also issued a statement:
“On Tuesday, 13 May at 1.25pm, police were called by the London Ambulance Service to a school in Bromley, where a 15-year-old boy was suffering a medical emergency.
London’s Air Ambulance transported the boy to hospital where he has sadly now died.
His death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious at this time. His family and the school are being supported by officers.”
Community Support and Condolences
The school has activated support services to assist pupils and staff affected by the tragedy. Local leaders and parents have expressed condolences online, describing the boy as a “bright and kind young soul” and praising the swift action of emergency services.