Minnesota officials have released the cause of death for a 7-year-old Somali boy who suffered a medical emergency at his elementary school more than two months ago.
In a report released Monday, Nov. 24, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner stated that the child, Abdinasir Maow Gedi of St. Cloud, Minn., died from a “ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm.”
The manner of death was listed as “natural.”
Authorities were called to Westwood Elementary School in St. Cloud just before 9:30 a.m. local time on Sept. 16 after receiving a report of a “student who wasn’t breathing,” the St. Cloud Police Department previously said.
CPR was administered to Abdinasir, who was publicly identified by authorities at the time, before he was taken to CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital, police said in a statement.
He was later transferred to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died on Sept. 20. Investigators had previously said they did not suspect foul play.
In a Sept. 22 news release, St. Cloud Area School District 242 confirmed the boy’s death.
“It is with great sadness that we share that a member of our Westwood student community passed away after experiencing a medical emergency at school last week,” the district’s statement read. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not sharing additional information about the individual at this time.”
“Following the incident, the district conducted a full review of our response and operations and welcomed and cooperated with law enforcement officials as they conducted their independent review,” the district added. “We have also reached out to the family and remain committed to transparency.”
“We know that news like this can bring up many emotions for adults and children,” the statement continued. “We remain committed to supporting the well-being of our students and staff. Our counseling and support teams are on-site and available for any student or staff member who may need support. We encourage students to visit the counseling office at any time.”
Abdinasir’s death, and reports that he had autism, deeply affected his family and the local Somali community, according to CBS affiliate WCCO.
“As of this moment, that’s how confused the family is right now,” Samsam Mohamed, a board member with autism advocacy group Maangaar Voices, told the station. “They don’t have a concrete answer about what happened.”
A funeral for Abdinasir attended by about 400 people was held in September, according to Sahan Journal, a Minnesota-based outlet that covers immigration and communities of color.
”I am heartbroken to be at Abdinasir’s funeral, saying goodbye before we even know what led to his death,” said attendee Hassan Gurhan.
An attorney representing the school district was contacted on Monday for comment. A district spokesperson told Sahan Journal in September that police recommended officers visit Abdinasir’s home — adding that an officer went to the residence but was unable to make contact.
The spokesperson said police and school staff later went to the hospital and spoke with a relative who told them the family was unavailable. The school said it had been in touch with family members and was working to arrange a meeting.
Racey Rodne, a lawyer for Abdinasir’s family, was also contacted Monday. In an email to Sahan Journal, Rodne confirmed that the family has been communicating with the school.
“They are willing to meet and we will meet with them when appropriate,” Rodne wrote. “We have also been in contact with the police who are investigating this matter.”
