By David Young-
A young 8 year who died with Covid last year, also suffered from arrhythmia- an abnormal heart rhythm. The inquest heard that Jasper Bryan Cook, from Birkenshaw, died suddenly in January, leaving his family and those who knew him devastated.
The finding that no medical causes were found to have contributed to his death is perplexing, despite him having Covid an abnormal heart rythm. It suggests medics do not believe that there were no medical causes responsible for his untimely death.
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The eight-year-old described by his parents as a “normal healthy child”, had been seen by an out-of-hours GP the day before after being sick and suffering abdominal pain. He became very unwell at home. Paramedics were called and Jasper was found to be in cardiac arrest.
The Birkenshaw Primary School had CPR performed on him and was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), where lifesaving efforts continued, but despite the best efforts of medics, he was pronounced dead.
Despite their tragic son’s death, Jasper’s parents spoke of their gratitude towards the “fantastic” emergency services and NHS, while Ian spoke of his thanks to Andy’s Man Club.
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An inquest held at Bradford Coroners’ Court today heard no medical cause of death has been identified.
A photograph of Jasper was shown on a big screen throughout the hearing, while family members wore t-shirts with his picture on.
His mum Kim bravely read her statement out, with her husband Ian by her side.
She described her little boy as “energetic, enthusiastic, generous and infinitely kind”.
She said he was deeply loved by all who knew him and added: “This year was full of hopes and dreams for a brighter future as the last few years have been quite hard for us all.
Parents: Kim and Ian Cook
Jasper, a huge fan of Watford FC, was close with his sister, Lily, and Kim told the inquest they would choose the Christmas tree together and take it in turns to put the star on the top. This year would have been Jasper’s turn.
The hearing was told it was likely Jasper had an arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. This cannot be diagnosed in death and his family is now undergoing genetic testing in the hope they will get some answers. #
If tests do reveal anything significant, samples kept from Jasper can then be tested, his family said.
The inquest heard Jasper had Covid at the time of his death, but there was no evidence in the histology that he had inflammation of the brain, heart or lungs that is associated with the virus.
The GP who saw Jasper in the out-of-hours appointment on the night before his death said there were “no signs of anything major or untoward” and he had been shocked when he heard of Jasper’s death as there was nothing to suggest it would happen.
Assistant coroner Ian Pears said the youngster woke in the early hours on the day of his death with shortness of breath, as he recorded the young child as having died of natural causes.
An ambulance was called, but Jasper died at the BRI. He said no medical cause of death had been identified, but all unnatural causes have been excluded.
Devastated
Speaking after the inquest, his parents said: “As a family, we have been left devastated by the loss of our beloved son.
“One of the hardest things to accept is that we’ve got no answers for why this tragedy has occurred.
“It came out of the blue, with no warning, and has taken the legs out from under us.
“Our world will never be the same again. Jasper was a wonderful, kind, caring boy, who was full of fun and we will remember his cheeky smile and his sense of humour.
“Our daughter Lily misses her big brother terribly as they were so close and had so much fun together.
“The shadow that crosses her face when she looks for him is like a knife in our hearts.”
They said there had been a huge outpouring of love, support and grief and added: “Jasper’s school are in the process of creating an emotional wellbeing garden to him and our local Scouts group, where Jasper attended Cubs, now have a Jasper award.
“Many of the local businesses have also been a tremendous support for which we are truly grateful.
“We will love him to the end of everything and our memories of him will on forever and we will do our utmost to find some answers for the loss of our darling boy.”
Jasper’s parents spoke of their gratitude towards the “fantastic” emergency services and NHS, while Ian spoke of his thanks to Andy’s Man Club.
He has been attending the group, which encourages men to open up about their mental health, since March.
He said: “The guys there are brilliant. Without their support, things would have been a lot harder for me.”
Kim and Ian are also hoping to do something to keep Jasper’s legacy going.
“It is hard to explain when you are 39 and 40 the feeling that the best times of your life may be behind you because from every moment going forward, everything is tinged with a sadness that we can never explain.”
The Watford FC fan was close with his sister, Lily, and Kim told the inquest they would choose the Christmas tree together and take it in turns to put the star on the top. This year would have been Jasper’s turn.
The hearing was told it was likely Jasper had an arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. This cannot be diagnosed in death and his family is now undergoing genetic testing in the hope they will get some answers.
The GP who saw Jasper in the out-of-hours appointment on the night before his death said there were “no signs of anything major or untoward” and he had been shocked when he heard of Jasper’s death as there was nothing to suggest it would happen.
Recording his conclusion that Jasper died of natural causes, assistant coroner Ian Pears said the youngster woke in the early hours on the day of his death with shortness of breath.
An ambulance was called, but Jasper died at the BRI. He said no medical cause of death had been identified, but all unnatural causes have been excluded.
Speaking after the inquest, “As a family, we have been left devastated by the loss of our beloved son.
“One of the hardest things to accept is that we’ve got no answers for why this tragedy has occurred.
“It came out of the blue, with no warning, and has taken the legs out from under us.
“Our world will never be the same again. Jasper was a wonderful, kind, caring boy, who was full of fun and we will remember his cheeky smile and his sense of humour.
“He was a shining light and now that he is gone, the world seems a bit less bright.
“Our daughter Lily misses her big brother terribly as they were so close and had so much fun together.
“The shadow that crosses her face when she looks for him is like a knife in our hearts.”
They said there had been a huge outpouring of love, support and grief and added: “Jasper’s school are in the process of creating an emotional wellbeing garden to him and our local Scouts group, where Jasper attended Cubs, now have a Jasper award.
“Many of the local businesses have also been a tremendous support for which we are truly grateful.
“We will love him to the end of everything and our memories of him will on forever and we will do our utmost to find some answers for the loss of our darling boy.”
Jasper’s parents spoke of their gratitude towards the “fantastic” emergency services and NHS, while Ian spoke of his thanks to Andy’s Man Club.
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