Brickhall School: Autopsy confirms Miguel Ovoke died from choking on lunch meat

By Ukpono Ukpong

In a poignant revelation, an autopsy report has confirmed that 4-year-old Miguel Ovoke, a student at Brickhall School, Abuja, died after choking on a piece of meat in his homemade lunch.

Brickhall School, Abuja, disclosed this yesterday in a statement signed by Janet Agwu, on behalf of the school management.

The heart-wrenching incident unfolded on April 24, 2024, during the school’s routine lunch break, sending shockwaves through the school community.

According to the school’s official statement, Miguel encountered distress while consuming his meal, comprising rice, stew, plantain, and assorted meat. Despite prompt intervention by staff, including a certified nurse who administered emergency medical procedures, their efforts proved futile in dislodging the obstruction.

The statement noted that in a frantic bid to save Miguel’s life, he was swiftly transported to Excel Specialist Hospital, situated in close proximity to the school premises. However, the medical team at the hospital, after exhaustive attempts, sadly pronounced Miguel deceased, citing asphyxiation as the cause of death in their official report.

Brickhall School, cognizant of the gravity of the situation, promptly notified Miguel’s parents of the tragic turn of events. Subsequently, an autopsy was conducted at the National Hospital, with representatives from concerned parties in attendance. The findings of the autopsy unequivocally confirmed that Miguel had succumbed to choking on a piece of offal/meat from his lunch.

“The autopsy result showed that Miguel choked on a piece of meat in his home-made lunch,” affirmed the school’s statement, underscoring the importance of transparency and clarity in addressing the matter.

In response to the autopsy report, Miguel’s parents have graciously accepted the unfortunate incident as an act of divine providence, according to the school’s statement. Their resolve and resilience in the face of such adversity serve as a testament to their strength and faith.

Moreover, Brickhall School emphasized the significance of their initial stance, wherein they refrained from making any official statement or commentary regarding the cause of Miguel’s demise until a valid autopsy report from a reputable hospital was obtained. This commitment to due process and factual accuracy underscores the institution’s integrity and dedication to upholding transparency.

As a poignant tribute to Miguel’s memory, Brickhall School announced the closure of its facilities for eight days to mourn his passing. Additionally, the school has immortalized Miguel’s legacy by naming an early years resource room in his honor, ensuring that his spirit lives on within the institution.

In a gesture of solidarity and support, Brickhall School pledged to stand by Miguel’s family during this challenging period and expressed readiness to assist in establishing a foundation in Miguel’s name, providing a lasting legacy for the beloved student.

“Once again, our hearts go out to late Miguel’s parents, family, classmates, and friends over the sad incident. May God continue to comfort them,” concluded the heartfelt statement from Brickhall School, encapsulating the profound sense of loss felt by the entire community.