Emergency services were called to the University of East Anglia’s Sportspark in response to calls involving a man who had been using gym equipment on Wednesday evening. The area was evacuated while medical treatment was provided. Later, Norfolk Police said the man, in his 20s, had died on the scene. A cordon was put up and the university’s Sportpark will remain closed while an investigation is carried out, police said. The death is currently being treated as unexplained. Pictures taken from the scene on Wednesday evening showed a number of emergency service vehicles at the scene.
Norfolk police said in a statement: “Police can confirm a man has died following an incident at the University of East Anglia.
“Emergency services were called to the Sportspark gym shortly after 7pm following reports of a medical incident involving a man who had been using gym equipment.
“A man, aged in his 20s, was treated by paramedics but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed.
“The area was evacuated while emergency services provided medical treatment. A police cordon is in place and the gym will remain closed while enquiries are carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, which is being treated as unexplained.”
A spokesperson for the University of East Anglia said: “We are aware of an incident at the Sportspark this evening during which someone received emergency treatment but sadly died. We are providing support to staff and Sportspark is currently closed, and will remain closed tomorrow.”
East of England Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.
Emergency services were called to the gym shortly after 7pm on Wednesday following reports of a medical incident involving a man who had been using gym equipment.
A man in his 20s was treated by paramedics but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed.
The UEA Kurdish Society has shared a statement on its Instagram story stating that the victim was a member of the Kurdish community.
A police cordon is in place outside the Sportspark at the University of East Anglia following the death of a student in his 20s (Image: Newsquest)
It is understood he was studying medicine at the university.
The area was evacuated while emergency services provided medical treatment.
A police cordon is in place and the gym will remain closed today while enquiries are carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, which is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.
The UEA Community Mourns
People living near the UEA Sportspark have been “hit really hard” after a student died at the university’s gym.
One student said: “It’s very shocking.
A police cordon remains at the Sportspark (Image: Emily Goodwin)
”I found out last night while I was with my mates.
“I came by shortly after so I saw all the police cars and the tape and just thought it was horrific.”
READ MORE: UEA Sportspark to remain closed after death of student
A student who studies in the medical field named Brandon added: “Accidents like this aren’t uncommon but it is tragic that in this case, it has taken someone’s life.
“It is a tragedy for the family and the paramedics who had to respond.”
Nathan Wyatt (Image: Emily Goodwin)
Olivia Hunt, activities and opportunities officer at UEA, said: “Our deepest thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time.
“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.”
UEA Student Death: A Look Back
This tragedy comes just two years after a swimmer died at the facility's swimming pool after staff failed to spot him due to a 'flawed' underwater camera system. Dominic Hopkins, 57, the former leader of Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra, was submerged for nearly seven minutes after suffering an epileptic fit in the shallow end of the baths in January 2022. Two of the three lifeguards on duty had monitors with feeds from nine underwater cameras but the inquest heard they didn't see him because he appeared so small on the 3.7in by 2.9in screen. Mr Hopkins was an experienced swimmer who used the pool most days to help with his Marfan syndrome – a disorder of the body's connective tissues for which he had undergone more than 20 operations. As an epilepsy sufferer, he wore a bright blue cap to help him stand out in the water. UEA said after the inquest that procedures and technology had been updated.
This incident has raised concerns about safety at the UEA Sportspark, and the investigation is expected to determine if any safety protocols were not followed. In the wake of this tragedy, the university has stressed its commitment to providing support for students and staff, particularly those who may be struggling to cope with this loss. The investigation is expected to take several weeks, and the university has said that it will update the public on the findings. It remains to be seen what impact this incident will have on the future of the UEA Sportspark.
