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Coronavirus: Family of boy (13) who died 'with no underlying conditions' say 'stay at home'

A person is tested at a drive through coronavirus testing site in a car park at Chessington World of Adventures, in Greater London, as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.<br />Picture by Yui Mok/PA Wire&nbsp;
A person is tested at a drive through coronavirus testing site in a car park at Chessington World of Adventures, in Greater London, as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Picture by Yui Mok/PA Wire 
A person is tested at a drive through coronavirus testing site in a car park at Chessington World of Adventures, in Greater London, as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Picture by Yui Mok/PA Wire 

The family of a 13-year-old who died after testing positive for coronavirus have appealed to the public to follow social distancing rules in order to protect the NHS and save lives.

Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton, south London, died in hospital in the early hours of Monday.

The teenager, who had no apparent underlying health conditions, was described as a "gentle and kind" boy with a "heartwarming" smile.

He tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, a day after he was admitted to King's College Hospital, his family said.

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In a statement today, the family said: "We are heartbroken as a family due to the devastation caused by the coronavirus as it becomes too real for us as a family and community.

"Ismail was a loving son, brother, nephew to our family and a friend to many people who knew him.

"His smile was heart-warming and he was always gentle and kind."

The family thanked all the medics and professionals who tried to save Ismail's life.

"We as a family are still trying to come to terms with the sudden death of Ismail.

"He leaves behind six siblings who are completely devastated and this has been made more difficult not being able to be with Ismail while he was in the hospital," they said.

"Finally, we are all praying at this difficult time for all the people affected by this Covid-19 virus and we wish everybody speedy recovery.

"We also wanted to re-iterate the need for people to listen to government guidance.

"Covid-19 is a virus that is attacking all members of our society, not just older people or those with pre-existing conditions.

"So please do everything you can to ensure that we adhere to social distancing; that people stay at home as much as they possibly can, to protect the NHS and save lives."

Family friend Mark Stephenson, who was speaking on behalf of the boy's mother and six siblings, said there would not be a post-mortem examination.

He also confirmed Ismail suffered from a cardiac arrest.

Downing Street described his death as a "tragedy".

Boris Johnson's official spokesman said: "The prime minister's thoughts are with the family."

A spokesman for King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: "Sadly, a 13-year old boy who tested positive for Covid-19 has passed away, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this time.

"The death has been referred to the coroner and no further comment will be made."