Inquest opens into death of teenage cyclist Muhammad Ismail Alum

An inquest has been opened into the death of Muhammad Ismail Alum, a 16-year-old schoolboy who tragically died following a collision while cycling home from prayers.

Muhammad, who was born in Birmingham, was involved in a crash with a Vauxhall Astra on Cattell Road, near Birmingham City’s St Andrew’s stadium. The incident occurred at around 5.25am on 28 August as he returned from morning prayers at Green Lane Mosque.

Emergency services took Muhammad to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with serious injuries after the collision, but he sadly passed away the following day.

At an opening hearing on Tuesday 8 September at Birmingham Coroner’s Court, Assistant Coroner James Bennett confirmed Muhammad’s cause of death as traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. The young man was formally identified at the hospital by his father.

Mr Bennett summarised the circumstances: “At approximately 5.25am on 28 August, Muhammad was cycling back from Green Lane Mosque when a Vauxhall Astra travelling in the opposite direction collided with him. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries the next day.”

The inquest was promptly adjourned and suspended pending criminal proceedings after a man was charged in connection with the incident. The coroner explained that the investigation must be paused to allow the legal process to take its course.

He said: “The coroner is required by law to suspend the investigation while criminal proceedings are ongoing. Updates will be received from West Midlands Police, and after those proceedings conclude, a decision will be made on whether to proceed with the inquest.”

Assistant Coroner Bennett expressed his condolences to Muhammad’s family following the tragic loss.

Clyde Carey, 47, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene, and causing death while uninsured. He is due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 28 September.