An eight-year-old Watford fan who died just three days after testing positive for Covid likely had an undiagnosed heart defect, an inquest has heard.

Jasper Bryan Cook was a “normal, healthy child” before his sudden death in January, Bradford Coroners Court heard on Tuesday, August 23.

The Watford FC superfan had been seen by an out-of-hours GP the day before his death after being sick and suffering abdominal pain.

Watford Observer: The family continue to search for answers on the death of Jasper. Credit: SWNSThe family continue to search for answers on the death of Jasper. Credit: SWNS

On January 21, he became very unwell at his home in Birkenshaw, near Bradford, West Yorkshire, and paramedics were called, but Jasper was found to be in cardiac arrest.

He was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary where he was pronounced dead despite the best efforts of emergency medics.

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An inquest heard no medical cause of death has been identified, but the hearing was told it was likely Jasper had an arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm.

This cannot be diagnosed in death and his family is now undergoing genetic testing in the hope they will get some answers.

If tests do reveal anything significant, samples kept from Jasper can then be tested, his family said.

Watford Observer: An inquest heard that Jasper had Covid at the time. Credit: SWNSAn inquest heard that Jasper had Covid at the time. Credit: SWNS

The inquest heard Jasper had Covid at the time of his death, but he did not have inflammation of the brain, heart, and lungs which are associated with the virus.

The GP who saw Jasper told the inquest he was shocked when he heard of Jasper’s death as there was nothing to suggest it would happen.

His heartbroken mum Kim said: "As a family, we have been left devastated by the loss of our beloved son.

“One of the hardest things to accept is that we’ve got no answers for why this tragedy has occurred.”

Watford Observer: The family say they still have 'no answers'. Credit: SWNSThe family say they still have 'no answers'. Credit: SWNS

She continued: “Our world will never be the same again. Jasper was a wonderful, kind, caring boy, who was full of fun and we will remember his cheeky smile and his sense of humour.

“He was a shining light and now that he is gone, the world seems a bit less bright.”

The mother concluded: “We will love him to the end of everything and our memories of him will live on forever and we will do our utmost to find some answers for the loss of our darling boy.”

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