Popular Jake Lawler, 15, collapsed for the second time in weeks during a game of football and later died in hospital after his family was given the wrong diagnosis, an inquest heard
A “much loved and precious” teenager collapsed during a game of football and later died in hospital only weeks after a doctor incorrectly diagnosed him with asthma, an inquest heard.
Jake Lawler had earlier collapsed during another match and afterwards his GP told the 15-year-old’s family the teenager exercise induced asthma. He was referred to an asthma nurse who conducted tests and later indicated they did not believe Jake had had the condition and he was supposed to be referred to paediatrics. Regardless, he was released and three weeks later collapsed again during a game of football at Mersey School in Sale, Trafford, and tragically died, MEN reported.
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In a report into Jake’s death, Manchester South Coroner Alison Mutch said: ”It is probable he would not have died on the day he did had the correct actions been taken.
“Jake’s collapse was incorrectly attributed to his exercise induced asthma. The asthma nurse referred Jake back to the doctor indicating they did not believe Jake had asthma.
“It was clear the diagnosis of exercise induced asthma being the cause of his collapse on the 13th October 2024 was unlikely and the working diagnosis within the discharge summary was probably incorrect.
“The significance of that was impacted by the discharge summary incorrectly describing the ECG as normal. On 5th November 2024 whilst playing football Jake collapsed.
“During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.”
The report confirmed Jake died from a biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, when he was incorrectly diagnosed in life with exercise induced asthma. The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion.
In a statement at the time of his death Jake’s school said in a tribute: “Our Sale High School Community was absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our much loved and precious students, Jake Lawler, who recently passed away in tragic circumstances. As a school, we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and continue to support our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time.
“As a mark of respect, some of our staff will accompany our Year 10 and 11 students outside of school to pay their respects as Jake’s funeral cortege passes by.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to share a link to Jake’s memorial fund, set up by his family to raise awareness of a very worthy cause – CRY. The money will go towards raising awareness of young sudden cardiac death as well as supporting the families affected, supporting their screening programme and funding research and pathology. If you would like to donate to the memorial fund.”