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A six-year-old who died after suffering septic shock seemed perfectly normal and was playing with toys in the moments before he fell ill, an inquest has heard.
Leon Singh, from Erith , was admitted to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford on May 1, 2019, with a series of symptoms including a high temperature and a rash on his body.
An inquest looking into the full circumstances leading up to the young boy's death started at Maidstone County Hall today.
In his opening remarks, coroner Alan Blunsdon said: "At the time of death he resided in Erith. I understand that on April 21 Leon became unwell.
"On May 3, 2019, his condition deteriorated. At this time, he was a patient at Darent Valley Hospital.
"A decision was taken to transfer him to Evelina London Children's Hospital on May 3, but sadly he died the next day."
Inquiries will be carried out into the treatment the little boy received and what, if any, intervention could have been made which might have changed the outcome for Leon and his family.
Today it was revealed the primary school age pupil had suffered from a rare condition known as Kawasaki disease six months prior to his death.
Symptoms included a rash, swollen glands in the neck, dry, cracked lips and red eyes.
When a rash and persistent high temperature returned in April last year, Leon was taken to his GP in Northumberland Heath, who made an initial diagnosis of tonsillitis and prescribed a course of antibiotics, the inquest heard.
His condition did not improve and his mum pushed for a referral to Darent Valley Hospital.
A statement was read to the court on behalf of his mum, Samantha Singh.
It read: "Leon seemed perfectly fine, playing with superhero toys and was doing push ups on the bed saying he wanted an ice lolly.
'We were told he was improving and then in a couple of hours he was gone...'
"We were told he was improving and then in a couple of hours he was gone. We don't understand how this could have happened."
The family have instructed law firm Simpson Millar as part of their efforts to better understand the circumstances surrounding Leon’s death.
Speaking on their behalf, solicitor and medical law expert Rebecca Brunton said: “The family have been devastated by the loss of Leon.
"It is their hope that the inquest will provide some much-needed answers with regards the chain of events leading up to his tragic death.”
The inquest, listed for four days, continues.
