Lower Saxony prosecutors investigate teachers after student's death

The Hannover Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating two teachers for suspected negligent homicide by omission following the death of an 11-year-old boy during a school trip in Aerzen, Lower Saxony.

On June 18, the student reportedly complained of shortness of breath and lost consciousness at a school retreat center. Although teachers attempted resuscitation and were guided by emergency services, and a rescue helicopter was dispatched, all efforts to save the boy were unsuccessful.

Preliminary autopsy results suggest an anaphylactic shock—a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction—may be the cause of death. The boy was known to have a cow milk allergy, and investigators are looking into whether a group lunch held 20 minutes before the collapse was the trigger. Notably, an emergency adrenaline pen carried by the student was not used during the medical emergency. An allergological expert report has been commissioned to clarify the circumstances.