7-Year-Old Taiwanese Boy Taken Off Life Support After Suffering Brain Hemorrhage, Judo Coach Charged

A seven-year-old Taiwanese boy who spent more than two months in a coma after suffering a brain hemorrhage during a judo class has died, according to an announcement from the hospital he was being treated at.

His parents decided to take him off life support on Tuesday. A hospital official says he had been in a coma for 70 days. In addition to his brain hemorrhaging, his medical issues also included respiratory problems and multiple organ failure.

Identified only by his family name, Huang, the boy was taken to a hospital on April 21 after his family says he was thrown 27 times by his judo coach.

The coach, identified only by his surname, Ho, has been indicted for inflicting severe injuries on children and using children to commit a crime. News of the child being taken off life support has led to one of the charges being changed to “injury causing death.”

Ho is reportedly in his late 60s.

As for what’s been alleged, reports state the coach told other children to practice with Huang. A statement claims Huang was unfamiliar with basic judo movements and that the coach began using several throwing techniques on him after he stated that “the coach is a big idiot.” The statement goes on to say that, though Huang complained of a bad headache he was having, Ho threw him several more times causing him to vomit.

Prosecutors say the coach didn’t let up until Huang fell to the floor unconscious. They also say Huang’s head repeatedly hit the floor, though they didn’t cite a specific number.

Huang’s family says his coach accused him of faking his loss of consciousness.

Huang’s uncle was reportedly in attendance but did not intervene. Said uncle reportedly filmed the class to show Huang’s mother that judo may not be suitable for him. Also worth noting is that experts say that in Taiwan there’s a long-held tradition of showing teachers respect and reverence. Huang’s mother added that the uncle feels “terrible for what happened.”

Later it was learned Ho was unlicensed. He was released on bail of NT$100,000 (about $3,583) earlier in June. If found guilty he faces a seven-year minimum and could be imprisoned for life.