Kevin Campbell cause of death confirmed as serious concerns raised at inquest

Former Cardiff City footballer Kevin Campbell passed away due to multi-organ failure caused by a heart infection, an inquest has heard.

Campbell, who was 53 when he passed away in June, had spent a month in hospital before his death, and coroner has now highlighted serious concerns over the care he received.

The former Arsenal and Everton striker had been admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary and found to be a Level 5 patient safety incident - the most serious category - during his time there.

Coroner Zak Golombek highlighted issues regarding the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, who manage the hospital care, adding that his provisional cause of death given for Campbell was multi-organ failure due to a heart infection, also known as infective endocarditis.

Speaking at Manchester Coroner's Court: "He had been reported to have been fit and well until around January 2024, when he had a number of admissions to hospital before this final admission. He went on to declared a Level 5 incident related to a delay in aspects of Campbell's care and diagnosis as well as concerns over the decision-making process concerning palliative care.

"I have also received notification from the trust that a medical cause of death can be offered and, therefore, I will consider evidence from the clinicians involved in Mr Campbell's care as to the cause of his death. The provisional cause of death, as it stands, refers to Mr Campbell dying from multi-organ failure as a result of infective endocarditis."

Mr Golumbek confirmed he would "adjourn the proceedings to await additional disclosure,” adding that a final decision on the cause of death the care received by Campbell would be "made as part of the inquest process".

No date has been set for a further hearing.

Campbell's death sparked an outpouring of grief from across the footballing family.

Son Tyrese, who plays for Stoke City, tweeted after his father’s passing: "He was the life and soul of every party and room he blessed, a one-in-a-million person that was loved by everyone."