An eight-year-old boy who contracted deep vein thrombosis [DVT] suffered a cardiac arrest a day after being admitted to hospital, a coroner has concluded. 

Kaleb Ablett, a former player at March Park Rangers FC Under 9s, died on December 30, 2019 at Peterborough City Hospital after concerns were raised about his health. 

Coroner Elizabeth Gray told an inquest today [February 28] that on December 28 four years ago, Kaleb was assessed by an emergency medical technician [EMT] who noticed a high temperature. 

Ms Gray heard that Mr Mower (Emergency Medical Technician – EMT) attended Kaleb Ablett on DEC 28, 2019.  

After observations, Ms Gray said KA’s temperature came down after taking Ibuprofen. 

Ms Gray said: “Mr Mower offered to take KA to hospital. But Mrs Westley declined for reasons that KA was fine and wanted to go to bed.”

“There were no clinical concerns for Kaleb.” 

A decision was made to take Kaleb to hospital as a precaution the following day on December 29.

Ms Gray said that evidence from hospital doctors found that Kaleb’s temperature was fluctuating, his mobility became an issue, and his health declined including a cough and fever. 

Ms Gray told the hour-long inquest that a sepsis toolkit “would have signalled a red flag”, and that he was likely to be diagnosed with Strep A which could have led to DVT behind his knee. 

“DVT is so rare in a child that giving antibiotics outweighs the risk of DVT,” she said. 

READ MORE: March clubs and residents raise over £2,000 in memory of ‘much loved’ Fen footballer

Ms Gray concluded that Kaleb’s health declined before having a cardiac arrest, caused by DVT. 

Speaking to Kaleb’s mum, Claire Wesley and other relatives, Ms Gray thanked them for “the dignity shown in love and care for Kaleb. 

“I know this has been a difficult time for you and I thank you for your patience.  

“Your thoughts for Kaleb should be for that of a happy boy.” 

A fundraiser which started in 2020 to help fund Kaleb's funeral costs has raised more than £7,000.