A TEN-year-old boy died after suffering a suspected asthma attack and collapsing, it has been revealed ahead of an inquest into his shock death.

An inquest will begin today to determine the cause of death of William Gray, from Southend, and his family’s team of solicitors have released some details around his death ahead of the hearing.

The ten-year-old died on May 29, 2021. The inquest at Essex Coroner’s Court, in Chelmsford, is due to last at least five days.

During the hearing, evidence will be heard from the boy’s family, their legal team – Leigh Day Solicitors – as well as the emergency services.

According to the solicitors, who contacted the Echo on Friday, William’s asthma was “generally well controlled” and he had not been admitted to hospital for an asthma attack in the three previous years.

A spokesman for Leigh Day said: “In the early hours of October 27, 2020, William was struggling to breathe.

“His mother, Christine Hui, called 999 and began CPR. The paramedics took over on arrival and William was taken to hospital. He was discharged four hours later.

“After a home visit from an asthma nurse nine days later, William’s inhaler was changed and he was prescribed steroids.”

According to the solicitors, in spring 2021, William’s asthma began to worsen and in the weeks before his death, his mother consulted his GP, asthma nurse and GP practice nurse.

On 29 May 2021, he suffered an asthma attack and following two 999 calls, William collapsed soon after paramedics arrived.

The Leigh Day spokesman added: “The inquest will consider the acute hospital response in October 2020 and thereafter.

“The care and treatment of William’s asthma in the community from October 2020 onwards.

“Finally, the emergency response to his asthma attack on May 28 and 29, 2021.”

The inquest will begin today and is scheduled to last until Friday.