Cause of Death of Boy Who Experienced Medical Emergency at School Shared by Officials

Minnesota officials announced the cause of death of a 7-year-old Somali boy who experienced a medical emergency at his elementary school more than two months ago. 

In a report shared with PEOPLE on Monday, Nov. 24, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner stated that the juvenile, Abdinasir Maow Gedi, of St. Cloud, Minn., died of a “ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm.” 

The report also said the manner of death was “natural.”

Authorities were sent to Westwood Elementary School in St. Cloud just before 9:30 a.m. local time on Sept. 16 in response to a report of a “student who wasn’t breathing,” the St. Cloud Police Department previously said.

CPR was administered on Abdinasir, who was identified publicly by authorities at the time, before he was admitted to CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital, police said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

He was then taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died on Sept. 20. Investigators earlier said no foul play was suspected.  

In a Sept. 22 news release, St. Cloud Area School District 242 confirmed the child’s death. 

“It is with great sadness that we share that a member of our Westwood student community passed away after experiencing a medical emergency at school last week,” the district’s statement read. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not sharing additional information about the individual at this time.”

“Following the incident, the district conducted a full review of our response and operations and welcomed and cooperated with law enforcement officials as they conducted their independent review,” the district stated. “We have also reached out to the family and remain committed to transparency.”

“We know that news like this can bring up many emotions for adults and children,” the statement continued. “We remain committed to supporting the well-being of our students and staff. Our counseling and support teams are on-site and available for any student or staff member who may need support. We encourage students to visit the counseling office at any time.”

The death of Abdinasir, who reportedly had autism, devastated both his family and members of a Somali community, according to CBS affiliate WCCO.

“As of this moment, that’s how confused the family is right now,” Samsam Mohamed, a board member with autism advocacy group Maangaar Voices, told the news station. “They don’t have a concrete answer about what happened.”

A funeral for Gedi attended by 400 people was held in September, Sahan Journal, a media outlet that covers immigration and people of color in Minnesota, previously reported. 

”I am heartbroken to be at Abdinasir’s funeral, saying goodbye before we even know what led to his death,” said Hassan Gurhan, who attended the funeral.

PEOPLE reached out to an attorney representing the school district on Monday for comment. A spokesperson for the district told Sahan Journal in September that police recommended officers visit Abdinasir’s home — adding that an officer visited the residence but was unable to make contact. 

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The district spokesperson said police and school staffers went to the hospital and later spoke with a relative who told them the family was unavailable. The spokesperson said the school had been in touch with family members and was working to set up a meeting. 

PEOPLE also contacted Racey Rodne, a lawyer for Abdinasir’s family, on Monday. In an email to Sahan Journal, Rodne confirmed that the family has been in communication with the school. 

“They are willing to meet and we will meet with them when appropriate,” Rodne wrote. “We have also been in contact with the police who are investigating this matter.”