Taha Ali Soomro was described as a ‘much-loved’ teenager
10:14, 18 Nov 2025
Taha Soomro of Grangetown, Cardiff, died in May(Image: PA)
A pathologist was unable to ascertain the cause of death of a 16-year-old boy who died at Barry Island in May, an inquest opening at Pontypridd coroner’s court heard.
On May 23, South Wales Police received reports that Taha Ali Soomro was in apparent cardiac arrest at Barry Island Pleasure Park. Initial reports indicated that he was believed to be having a seizure and cardiac arrest.
The inquest opening heard how CPR was carried out at the pleasure park but paramedics declared Taha dead at the scene. A subsequent post-mortem report by Dr Stephen Leadbeater at the University Hospital of Wales gave a provisional cause of death as unascertained.
The inquest opening heard how Taha, of Penarth Road in Cardiff, was born in Wigan on December 9, 2008. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
Coroner Graeme Hughes said: “I have heard evidence this morning touching on the death of Taha Ali Soomro. On the information I have heard it’s necessary to open an inquest.”
The inquest was adjourned with a date to be fixed in due course, and the coroner offered his condolences and sympathies to the parents of Taha.
We previously reported how extensive police enquiries were ongoing to establish the cause and circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.
On May 24, a 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the death, he was later released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Police appealed for information from anyone who was at the pleasure park at around 5pm on Friday, May 23, with detectives especially keen to see any mobile phone footage.
A tribute from the teenager’s school, Fitzalan High, read: “Taha was a much-loved member of our school community, and he will be remembered with great affection and respect.
“This tragic news has deeply affected everyone at the school, and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Taha’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are supporting our pupils, staff and wider school community as we come to terms with this loss. Specialist support services will be made available in school.
“We are working closely with the local authority and relevant agencies to ensure that everyone who needs help, receives it. We ask that the privacy of the family and our school community is respected as we grieve and begin the process of healing.”
A couple of weeks after his tragic death, hundreds of mourners from the Muslim and Pakistani communities across Cardiff gathered at a mosque in the city to pay tribute to the “much-loved” 16-year-old.
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