Omuthiya – Tragedy struck at Olupale Combined School in the Oshikoto region on Tuesday when an 18-year-old student collapsed and later died while participating in an athletics event.
According to Deputy Commissioner Linea Shikongo, the acting regional police commander, the incident occurred around 15h00. The deceased, identified as Dominikus Johannes from Omalindi village, was running alongside other participants when he suddenly collapsed.
Event organizers and school staff acted swiftly, rushing Johannes to Omuthiya District Hospital. However, despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
“The deceased was a Grade 8 learner at Olupale Combined School in the Omuthiya circuit. He was originally from Epembe village in the Ohangwena region,” Shikongo confirmed in a police report issued on Wednesday.
Following the incident, Johannes’ body was transported to the Omuthiya police mortuary. His family has been informed, and police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of his death.
Authorities have not yet provided further details, and it remains unclear whether the student had any pre-existing medical conditions. The sudden loss has left the school community in mourning as they come to terms with the tragedy.