Mohammed Farraj died at UEA Sportspark gym in Norwich

Mohammed Farraj was a second-year medical student who died while using the university's gym on Wednesday night.

Emergency services were called to the site at 7pm following reports of a medical emergency.

He was treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency services were called to the UEA Sportspark on Wednesday night (Image: Steven Whitear @swjournalismm) A statement sent by Kris Bowles, dean of Norwich Medical School, to students early on Thursday afternoon named the victim. 

He said: "It is with great sadness that I have to share the heartbreaking news with you that Mohammed Farraj, one of our second-year medical students, passed away yesterday following an incident at UEA Sportspark.

Kristian Bowles is dean of the medical school (Image: University of East Anglia) "My heart goes out to his family.

"I just cannot imagine what they are going through at present.

"I know they are being supported."

Mohammed was from the Kurdish community and an active participant in the Army Reserves and sports clubs at the UEA.

The cordon remained in place throughout the day on Thursday (Image: Newsquest) Olivia Hunt, who is the activities and opportunities officer for the students union, has encouraged students to pull together following Mr Farraj's tragic death.

She said: "Our deepest thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time.

READ MORE: People living near UEA 'hit really hard' after student dies at Sportspark

"The loss will undoubtedly affect our entire UEA community, and it’s important that we come together to support one another.

"We encourage everyone to check in on friends and colleagues who may be struggling and remind those in need that support is available through our student services team."

Cameron Wolmarons is a medical student at UEA (Image: Cameron Wolmarons) Cameron Wolmarons, a 24-year-old medical student at UEA, described Mohammed's death as an "absolute tragedy".

He said: "I'm sure the whole medical cohort at UEA is thinking of and praying for his family and friends at this time. 

"When you study medicine you have to accomplish so much just to get to the point that Mohammed was at.

"He had his whole life ahead of him and so much to look forward to.

"The fact that it has been cut short is an absolute tragedy."

The Sportspark will remain closed on October 18 but will reopen on October 19.

SECOND DEATH IN TWO YEARS

In January 2022 Dominic Hopkins drowned while swimming at the pool at the UEA gym.

He was submerged underwater for almost seven minutes before he was pulled from the water.

He was given CPR and resuscitated at the scene before being taken to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital by air ambulance on January 27, 2022.

The 57-year-old, an accomplished violinist from Norwich, died the next day. 

Since Mr Hopkins death, a state-of-the-art system that uses artificial intelligence has been implemented, as well as additional film added to the windows to reduce glare.