22-year-old student found dead in flat hours after reporting coronavirus symptoms

A 22-year-old student was found dead in his London flat hours after reporting coronavirus symptoms.

Middlesex business student Kapalu Musenyesa, a Zambian national, was found dead on 20th April, hours after complaining of difficult breathing and a fever.

Kapalu’s family have raised over £6,000 to cover the costs of his funeral, which they attended on Monday after flying over from Zambia.

As official statistics reveal that black men and women in England and Wales are almost twice as likely to die from the virus as white people, calls have grown for an inquiry into deaths among ethnic minorities.

Thanking the 263 individual donors, friend Agnes Mutale, who organised the fundraiser, wrote: “Kapalu’s body has been put to rest today. We can’t just thank you enough for the donations towards this funeral.

“We appreciate everyone who participated through funding or sharing.

“We genuinely wouldn’t have raised this much money on our own. God bless you all.”

Chabala Kakungu, a friend of Kapalu’s, wrote on Facebook: “I never pictured myself wearing a mask but after Covid-19 took my brother Kapalu Kaps Musenyesa (rest in peace young king) I think it’s time we took this whole thing seriously.

“Stay home or wear a mask if you want to step out and make sure you wash your hands every chance you get.”

The latest NHS information about coronavirus can be found here. Government advice on what you should do can be found here.