15-Year-Old Girl Collapses After School Marathon in Palghar

In Palghar, a schoolgirl died of a heart attack after marathon participation, raising urgent concerns about student safety during high-intensity school sports events.
The incident occurred on Saturday in the Talasari area of Palghar district, where a 15-year-old student collapsed shortly after completing a school-organised marathon.

What Happened During the Marathon?

Roshni Goswami, a Class 10 student of Bharati Academy English School in Velji, completed the marathon and secured third place. However, moments after finishing the race, she reportedly began experiencing severe breathlessness.
According to eyewitness accounts, she sat down on the ground soon after the race and suddenly lost consciousness. Teachers and school staff immediately tried to provide basic first aid and rushed her to a nearby hospital. Sadly, doctors declared her dead on arrival. Medical professionals suspect she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

Family Says the Day Began Normally

Roshni’s mother, Sunitaben Goswami, shared that her daughter had no visible health complaints that morning. She followed her routine, ate a proper meal, packed her lunch, and left for school in good spirits.
“She even sought blessings before leaving for the marathon,” her mother recalled. “We never imagined the day would end like this.”
The family received the devastating news later in the afternoon.

Police and Medical Examination Underway

Officials from the Gholwad police station have registered an accidental death case. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to confirm the exact medical cause of death.
While initial suspicion points to a heart attack, doctors emphasise that sudden cardiac events in adolescents, though rare, can sometimes be linked to undiagnosed heart conditions triggered by intense physical exertion.

Why This Matters in Countries Like India

In warmer and more humid climates, such as India, the risk may be higher. Shared sanitation facilities, limited cold storage, and rising poultry consumption can increase exposure. Studies from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) already show growing antibiotic resistance in UTI-causing bacteria, making prevention even more critical.

Health Experts Raise Serious Safety Concerns

The incident has sparked strong reactions from education and health activists. Many have pointed out that high-intensity sporting events like marathons are often conducted without adequate medical preparedness, especially in hot or humid weather conditions.

Concerns highlighted include:

Absence of on-site doctors or trained medical personnel
Lack of ambulances or emergency response systems
No prior health screening for students before endurance events

Medical experts stress that adolescents should undergo basic cardiovascular screening before participating in endurance races, particularly competitive ones.

Why This Incident Matters to Public Health

Cases where a Palghar schoolgirl dies of a heart attack after marathon participation bring attention to a larger public health issue: balancing physical fitness promotion with medical safety in schools.

While sports are essential for child development, experts emphasise that:

Physical limits vary among children
Warning signs like breathlessness should never be ignored
Schools must follow strict medical safety protocols

Conclusion

This tragic loss has renewed calls for clearer guidelines on school sports events, including mandatory medical supervision, emergency preparedness, and age-appropriate activity planning.
As investigations continue, the incident stands as a sobering reminder that student health must always come before competition.

This case where a Palghar schoolgirl died of a heart attack after marathon completion underscores the urgent need for medical oversight in school sports so that physical activity remains safe, supportive, and life-affirming for every child.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

Copy-Writer & Content Editor

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.