Jogging tragedy of teenager Joe Humphries

A 14-year-old boy who collapsed and died while out jogging was a victim of sudden adult death syndrome, an inquest heard.

Joe Humphries, who was 6ft 3in and fit and healthy, died minutes from his home in Rothley.

At an inquest in Loughborough on Thursday, pathologist Roger Malcomson said tests were unable to determine the cause of the teenager's death.

The pathologist said Joe, of Halywell Nook, died of either a seizure or cardiac arrhythmia (an abnormal heart beat) on October 4.

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The inquest heard Joe might have been saved if he had been treated within minutes of being taken ill – the same kind of immediate treatment Premiers League footballer Fabrice Muamba received when he collapsed on the pitch in March last year during an FA Cup game between Spurs and Bolton.

The 24-year-old survived despite his heart having reportedly stopped for an hour.

Mr Malcomson said: "Mr Muamba was a very lucky man. That was a good example of how the right people with the right expertise and the right drugs were on the spot.''

Mr Malcolmson said Joe was most likely unconscious while still upright, as evidence showed he did not put his arms out to stop his fall.

The pathologist told Joe's father, Steve – a former Leicester city goalkeeper – and mother, Angela, that their son's brain and heart had been sent for analysis by neurologists and cardiologists.

Coroner Carolyn Hull recorded a verdict that Joe, a pupil at De Lisle College in Loughborough, died of sudden adult death syndrome.

She said: "Joe had everything to live for. He had his whole life in front of him."

Joe's parents, who were too upset to talk after the inquest, have set up the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust in their son's name.

On the trust website, they say: "This trust will promote research into, and awareness of, sudden unexpected death in young people and promote education and training for young people and those who live and work with young people into how to react to unexpected life-threatening situations.

"This is without doubt a most fitting tribute to such a gentle, loveable and humble giant who, in his very short life, has touched the hearts and minds of so many people across the community.

"Just an ordinary Joe, with an extraordinary talent and ability to reach out to people and who lived life to the full."

For more information about the trust, go to: