Parents of of girl who died after first kiss say: We don't blame boy at all - Mirror.co.uk

The parents of the shy teenager who died after her first kiss with her boyfriend said yesterday he had done all he could to save her.

Sporty sixth former Jemma Benjamin, 18, collapsed minutes after sharing an embrace with university student Daniel Ross, 21.

Mum Charlotte Garwood said: "We don't blame Daniel at all. He did all he could. The kiss didn't kill her. It was a medical condition we knew nothing about."

The pair had been pals for three months and kissed before a night out. Daniel tried to save her. An inquest ruled she died from sudden adult death syndrome – a rare heart condition.

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Mum Charlotte Garwood added: "Daniel's a lovely boy. Jemma told me they were just friends, although I know she thought he was really handsome."

The eldest of four, Jemma, of Pontypridd, Rhonnda, was a hockey player and swimmer and had been stressed about preparing for an A-level sports science exam.

Sister Lauren, 17, said: "She was so lovely and we miss her so much." In a tribute on Facebook she wrote: "I know I didn't tell you often but I always have and always will love you."

Builder dad Dale, 38, said: "We're devastated – she was so fit and healthy. But the kiss had nothing to do with her death."

Sudden adult death syndrome kills around 500 people a year.