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The tragic death of 21-year-old medical student Mohammed Farraj has sent shockwaves through the University of East Anglia community. On October 16, 2024, Mohammed was working out at the university’s Sportspark gym, using a Smith machine to perform calf raises. Unbeknownst to him, the safety stops on the machine had been left in the lowest position, and he had placed a plastic aerobic step beneath his feet to support his exercise. The combination of these two factors would prove to be fatal. As he lifted the weighted bar, the plastic step tipped, causing him to slip and the bar to drop, striking his head with devastating force.
The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which was described by Detective Sergeant Robert Waring as a “tragic accident.” The footage shows Mohammed using the step while working with the Smith machine, and the horrifying moment when the step tips and the bar comes crashing down. The force of the impact was so great that it forced Mohammed’s neck to the ground, causing a fatal head injury. The inquest into Mohammed’s death heard that the safety stops on the machine should have been set to the highest position possible to prevent such an accident, but they had been left in the lowest position. Furthermore, the use of the plastic step was deemed “incorrect” and “intended for a different purpose,” with a weight disk being a more suitable alternative.
The events of that fateful evening have been recounted by several witnesses, including Dr. Trey Koev, a research scientist at the University of East Anglia, who was working out nearby. Dr. Koev said he was less than two meters away from Mohammed when the accident occurred and saw him slip onto the platform. He described the moment when the bar came down, stating that he heard a loud bang and saw Mohammed struggle to his feet before tumbling to the ground. Dr. Koev and his gym partner, Dr. Damian Laba, a consultant anesthetist, rushed to Mohammed’s aid, but unfortunately, it was too late. Dr. Laba attempted CPR, but Mohammed succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The inquest into Mohammed’s death has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the university’s response to the tragedy. Benjamin Price, head of sports operations at UEA Sportspark, stated that it appeared Mohammed had followed another person who had been using the equipment and had not adjusted the safety stops to the correct position. The inquest also heard that a warning about the stops had not been on the Smith machine at the time, but has since been added. The university has expressed its deep sadness at Mohammed’s death and has emphasized its commitment to the safety of its gym users.
Mohammed’s family and friends have been left to pick up the pieces and come to terms with their loss. His father, Hashim Farraj, described Mohammed as a devout Muslim who “loved life” and was passionate about fitness and health. Mohammed was an avid gym-goer and had been training for an Ironman triathlon event. His father remembered him as a vibrant and energetic young man who would regularly run 10 kilometers in the morning. The coroner extended her condolences to Mohammed’s family and friends, acknowledging the devastating impact of his death on those who loved him.
The University of East Anglia has vowed to learn from the tragedy and has cooperated fully with the coroner’s inquiry. The UEA Sportspark has stated that the safety of its gym users is its top priority and has implemented changes to prevent such an accident from happening again. As the university community comes to terms with the loss of one of its own, it is clear that Mohammed’s memory will live on. His passion for life, fitness, and health will be remembered, and his tragic death will serve as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in all aspects of life. The university’s response to the tragedy has been heartfelt, and its commitment to preventing similar accidents in the future is a testament to the value it places on the lives of its students and staff.
