Barnsley scout dies after suffering cardiac arrest at summer camp

A ten-year-old has died in a ‘devastating’ tragedy after suffering a cardiac arrest while at a scout camp.

The young boy, from Barnsley, fell ill while walking to the scout camp’s closing ceremony on Sunday and was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.

Off-duty paramedics sprang into action after the youngster- who has not yet been named- fell ill at the camp in Sheffield, South Yorkshire at around 2.15pm. 

He was pronounced dead a short time later.

His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Children from across South Yorkshire attend events and camps at Hesley Wood Scout Activity Centre every year.

A spokeswoman for The Scouts said: ‘We are deeply saddened to confirm that a 10-year-old boy was taken ill while attending a Scout camp in South Yorkshire and later died.

‘We understand that the young person was taken ill while walking to the camp’s closing ceremony and was not undertaking an activity at the time. 

‘He was treated at the scene by off-duty paramedics and then transferred to hospital.

Off-duty paramedics sprang into action after the youngster- who has not yet been named- fell ill at the camp (pictured- an area of the camp)

 ‘We are doing all we can to support everyone involved.

‘The death of any young person is devastating, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the young person during this very difficult time.’

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: ‘Emergency services were called to White Lane, Chapeltown, just after 2.15pm on Sunday, 8 July, after a 10-year-old boy went in to cardiac arrest.

‘He was taken to hospital but sadly died shortly afterwards.

‘His family are being supported by officers and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.’