The school where a student tragically died earlier this week has paid tribute to its former student. Hamdan Aslam lost his life at St Kentigern’s Academy due to a pre-existing heart condition that had “never been detected” and “could have occurred at any time.”
“Hamdan was an exemplary student and he will be hugely missed by the St Kentigern’s community,” headteacher Andrew Sharkey said in a statement. “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.”
The senior teacher said thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Adding that a 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.
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In a statement released through solicitor Aamer Anwar, Hamdan’s 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.”
In the aftermath of the incident, there were reports on social media suggesting his death had been the result of being put in a “chokehold” and that it had been part of a “TikTok challenge.”
In its statement, the family addressed this speculation adding: “We know that Hamdan’s loss is being deeply felt by his friends and teachers and we would urge those who have engaged in rumours on social media to stop, it is untruthful and compounding our grief.
“Please take down the posts, the running commentary is unhelpful to the children, teachers and our family who have been left deeply traumatised and devastated.
“We know that Hamdan’s teachers and friends did everything possible to save his life and for that our family will for ever be grateful to them.”
His cousin Zain Mohammed, 29, was quoted in the Daily Record as saying: “Hamdan was being bullied for being different but he was innocent and gentle and wouldn’t hurt a fly. He was reserved and he didn’t speak very much.”
The tragic incident has brought to light issues with fighting and bullying at the school with current students describing how extreme violence was a regular occurrence and videos of brutal fights on campus surfacing.
