Inquest determines Jersey basketball player had severe heart condition

An official inquiry has concluded that a Jersey basketball player, who passed away after collapsing on court earlier this year, suffered from a serious underlying heart condition. Guillaume Hoareau, 40, collapsed mid-game during a match between Jersey and Guernsey at Fort Regent on 18 May. Relief coroner advocate Cyril Whelan determined that Mr Hoareau died later the same day in the accident and emergency department of Jersey General Hospital in St Helier. The cause of death was identified as left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, a condition capable of leading to sudden cardiac death. The game was immediately halted, and spectators were requested to exit the hall while emergency services provided treatment. The Jersey Basketball Association stated that Mr Houreau was the island’s Men’s Player and Minis Lead Coach. Following his death, the association described him as “our friend, our brother, and the lifeblood of our community”. For updates, follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Story ideas can be submitted to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Details concerning our policy on external links are available.