Concerns raised over hospital care given to Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell before his death at Manchester Royal Infirmary amid 'Level 5 patient incident'

An inquest into the death of former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell has opened with ‘concerns’ raised over the care he received at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

The former professional footballer and Sky Sports pundit sadly died at the hospital on June 15 this year aged just 54, Manchester Coroner's Court heard on Thursday (July, 4).

Area Coroner Zak Golombeck said the striker had reported to have felt ‘fit and well’ until around January this year when he had ‘a number of admissions to hospital’ before this final admission on May 17.

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Mr Golombeck gave Mr Campbell’s provisional cause of death as multi organ failure as a result of infective endocarditis - a rare and potentially fatal infection of the heart - but stressed the final cause of death will be made following a full inquest which he adjourned.

Mr Golombeck said the Manchester University NHS Trust, which manages Manchester Royal Infirmary, had declared a Level 5 patient safety incident – the most serious category – about aspects of Mr Campbell's care.

He said within the incident alert there is a reference to both a 'delay in aspects of Mr Campbell’s care and diagnosis', and also 'concerns raised over the decision-making processes with regards to the institutions of palliative care'.

Mr Golombeck said the matters are now subject to an internal investigation by the hospital trust and ordered for additional evidence to be obtained ahead of the next hearing, including an investigation report, witness statements from all relevant clinicians involved in Mr Campbell's care, and a statement from his next of kin setting out any concerns that the family may have in relation to his care. No date was set for a further hearing.

Mr Campbell was a title winner with the Gunners and a hero at Goodison Park after saving the Toffees from relegation in 1999. During his career, he played for eight clubs and scored 149 goals in 521 appearances.

After retiring in May 2007, Mr Campbell dipped into the media world and worked for the likes of Sky Sports and talkSPORT.

Following his death, a post on X, formerly Twitter, Arsenal football club said: "We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.

"Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin."

Everton said in a post on X: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54. Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well - as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev."

A number of the striker’s former teammates also sent their tributes to Mr Campbell. Rooney, who played alongside Campbell at Everton, was among those to send an emotional message as he praised how he helped him during his career.

Rooney said on Twitter: "Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev. Thinking of all his family and friends. Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years," followed with a blue heart emoji.

Paul Merson and Tony Adams who shared the dressing room with Campbell at Arsenal were also among those to send a tribute. Merson wrote: "RIP! Devastating news… top bloke, great player, absolute gentlemen. Thoughts are with his family."

The Manchester University NHS Trust has been contacted for comment.