A 15-year-old schoolgirl reportedly died of a suspected heart attack after securing third position in a marathon during her school’s sports day in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Saturday, officials said. The tragic incident occurred at Bharati Academy English School in Velji, under the Talasari area.
The student has been identified as Roshni Goswami, a Class X student and a resident of Umbargaon.
Collapsed after completing marathon
According to officials, Roshni completed the marathon and stood third in the race. Eyewitnesses said she began experiencing breathlessness soon after finishing the run.
“She sat down on the ground and then fainted,” an official said, adding that teachers immediately attempted to provide first aid.
School staff rushed her in a private vehicle to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. The school principal said doctors suspect she suffered a heart attack, though the exact cause will be confirmed after post-mortem findings.
Family recalls normal start to the day
Roshni’s mother, Sunitaben Goswami, said her daughter had begun the day as usual, waking up on time, eating properly and leaving for school with her lunch packed.
“She even touched my feet seeking blessings before leaving for the marathon. In the afternoon, we received the devastating news of her death,” she said.
The family has been left inconsolable by the sudden loss.
Police register accidental death case
Officials at Gholwad Police Station said an accidental death case has been registered. Police personnel who were present at the event will be questioned as part of the inquiry.
“We are awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the exact cause of death,” a police official said.
Education activists raise safety concerns
The incident has triggered concern among local education activists, who questioned the conduct of high-intensity sporting events without adequate medical preparedness.
They alleged that long-distance races are often organised in hot conditions without on-site doctors, ambulances or professional first-aid support. Activists also stressed the need for prior medical screening, hydration checks and physical conditioning of students before such events.
The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter safety protocols during school sports programmes to prevent similar incidents.