A Gold Coast school is in mourning after a 15-year-old student died from a severe allergic reaction to calamari he had cooked during a home economics class.
Last Monday, Helensvale State High School student Breyton Horomona reportedly told friends he was feeling unwell before collapsing on the school’s basketball courts.
Teachers provided first aid, including administering Epipens which are used to treat anaphylaxis.
Breyton was then hospitalised and placed in induced coma, and his life support was switched off on Saturday.
His father Riki told 9NEWS his family was grieving, but appreciated the support they had received.
“Although our hearts are broken, they feel full as well with all the love and support from family and the community and everybody that’s been just so helpful,” Mr Horomona said.
The school has held a special assembly, and has offered students counselling.
Principal Mark Blackshaw has also issued a statement expressing shock and grief.
“Our entire Helensvale State High School community is deeply shocked and saddened that Breyton lost his fight for life,” it read.
It is understood that Breyton had no known food allergies.
Workplace health and safety officers are investigating the incident.
The school’s full statement is below:
Our school community is deeply saddened by the heart-breaking news that due to a medical incident on Monday, Breyton Horomona’s brain will not be able to sustain his life.
Our thoughts and best wishes are with the Horomona family and we have communicated our deepest condolences and sympathies.
Our school will also continue to offer any assistance to all in our school community deeply affected by this tragedy.
Counselling and support services have been arranged at our school for Friday and beyond.
We will honour Breyton and stand together as a community to display our sympathy, solidarity and ongoing support.
– Mr Blackshaw
