Aaron Jones ... died after a fight. Photo: Channel Ten
"Aaron, stop faking it," said a teenager to his opponent as he fell to the ground during a fight after school.
But 15-year-old Aaron Jones wasn't faking it, and his sudden death after a street fight in November 2011 devastated and united two grief-stricken families forever.
On Tuesday, deputy state coroner Hugh Dillon found the teenager involved in the fight, who cannot be identified, was not to blame for Aaron's death, which was likely the result of cardiac arrhythmia.
"Although this event took place while Aaron was engaged in a fight or scuffle ... [the teenager] did not cause Aaron's death. It's a terrible coincidence and it's a tragedy for everyone involved."
Mr Dillon said the teenager, who met Aaron at a roundabout in Minto for a pre-arranged fight, had to live with what happened forever.
"I think it's a very severe burden for a young man to have to carry. It's not your fault."
Aaron's mother, Tracey Jones, sat with the family of the teenager throughout the inquest at Glebe Coroner's Court.
"We didn't know each other really before. I guess because we've got something in common to talk about .... and, yeah, it does help.
"Even though Aaron died and [the teenager] didn't, we both know what the other is feeling, which you can't get from anyone else."
Mrs Jones said the teenager and his family had "gone through hell".
"The community turned on them when this first happened. He needed to be very, very strong to cope with it."
She said she expected the conclusion Mr Dillon came to.
"Two kids had a scuffle on the corner with unexpected, very unfortunate results.
"It's very hard on both families. Not just mine, but on them as well."
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Constable Scott Holyday, previously told the inquest the boys met late on the afternoon of November 23 to exchange words.
"It seems there wasn't any intention of harm by either party," he said.
Two teenagers, who cannot be identified, said Aaron had been spreading rumours he pushed a year 9 boy up against the canteen wall, and the two boys fought to sort things out.
The inquest was told that an autopsy did not reveal the cause of Aaron's death, and it was likely he had a genetic heart condition.
"This is the kind of case that no one would wish on another person," Mr Dillon said.
"Particularly those who have been sitting here listening to the evidence and missing Aaron and thinking about the potential he must have had as a 15-year-old to live a happy life, a productive life and, one would hope, a long life. But of course, everything has changed now."
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