A healthy four-year-old boy tragically passed away just three days after developing a cough that led to sepsis, according to an inquest. Samar Raj Singh fell seriously ill in December 2022 and was hospitalized multiple times before his untimely death. Hailing from Leicester, he was one of 16 children who succumbed to Strep A during a widespread outbreak.
Described as a vibrant and cheeky child, Samar was the beloved son of Parminder Singh and Gurmanjot Kaur. His infectious smile brought joy and warmth to everyone around him. His parents kept him home from school after he developed a cough, but his condition rapidly deteriorated over the following days.
Despite seeking medical attention, including visits to the hospital and GP, Samar’s health continued to decline. Ultimately, he was rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary where medical professionals suspected sepsis. Efforts to resuscitate him were made, but sadly, Samar could not be saved.
An independent expert witness confirmed that the care provided to Samar met the standard protocols. The inquest revealed that Samar’s death was attributed to natural causes, specifically sepsis due to invasive group A streptococcal infection. The jury officially concluded that Samar’s passing was a result of this infection.
Symptoms of sepsis in young children can include skin discoloration, breathing difficulties, and unusual drowsiness. While antibiotics can typically treat Strep A infections, they can sometimes lead to severe complications, as seen in Samar’s case.
Tragically, Samar was one of the 16 children in the UK who lost their lives to invasive Strep A in 2022.