Pupil Dies After Medical Episode at Penrhys Primary, School Closed

An eight-year-old pupil at Penrhys Primary School in Ferndale, Rhondda, died on Wednesday afternoon after suffering a medical episode, prompting emergency services to attend the school and the institution to close for a day while authorities investigate. South Wales Police said officers were called just after 2pm on October 8 and the girl was taken to hospital, where she later died.

A police spokesperson said investigators regard the death as sudden and that there are no suspicious circumstances. An inquiry on behalf of the coroner is under way to establish the cause of death, the spokesperson added. Emergency responders and school staff dealt with the incident at the site before the child was transferred to hospital.

Penrhys Primary announced it would be closed to pupils on Thursday, October 9, citing the event as traumatic. In a message posted to parents, the headteacher thanked the community for its support and wrote, "Due to the traumatic event that happened at our lovely school this afternoon we will be closed for all children tomorrow. School will be open for children and staff again on Friday." The school had previously indicated it planned to reopen on Friday, subject to...