Bloomfield worker death case sees a 17-year-old cricketer placed on probation as a post-mortem returns an open verdict.
The Bloomfield worker death case took a new turn yesterday, August 11, after the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered a 17-year-old cricketer to be placed on probation until August 17.
Cinnamon Gardens Police arrested the teenage suspect in connection with the alleged assault and subsequent death of a worker at Bloomfield Cricket Club in Colombo 07.
The suspect is a resident of Liyanagemulla, Seeduwa.
Police identified the deceased as 62-year-old Sumith Fernando, a worker at Bloomfield Cricket Club who lived in the Moratuwa area.
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Argument Breaks Out Near Water Tap
The incident occurred on August 8 at the Bloomfield sports premises.
According to police investigations into the Bloomfield worker death, a heated argument began when several players went to a water tap for drinking water during practice.
The group included the 17-year-old suspect. However, they reportedly found that no water was available.
During the dispute, the worker allegedly attempted to strike one of the players. Police investigations found that when the worker then attempted to hit the 17-year-old, the young player struck him.
Post-Mortem Returns Open Verdict
Fernando sustained injuries during the incident and later entered the Colombo National Hospital for treatment.
He died on August 10 while receiving medical care.
Medical records showed that Fernando had a history of heart disease. Therefore, authorities conducted a post-mortem examination at the Colombo National Hospital yesterday.
The examination sought to determine whether injuries from the alleged assault caused his death or whether a medical condition, including a possible heart attack, contributed to it.
However, the Judicial Medical Officer returned an open verdict in the Bloomfield worker death investigation.
Authorities will now send body parts to the Government Analyst for further examination as investigators seek to establish the exact cause of death.
