In memory of those who "died suddenly" in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and Spain
A famed French actress, a Spanish sports journalist (stricken by a heart attack at a press conference), two mysterious car accidents in Germany, and all too many more
UNITED KINGDOM
Coronation Street cast heartbroken after sudden death of boss who kicked off all of their careers on soap
May 6, 2022
Heartbroken soaps stars have been left shocked by the sudden death of a boss who kicked off their careers on Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Actors have been paying tribute to "star-maker" David Johnson who was the director of Oldham Theatre Workshop.
David Johnson died suddenly yesterday.
Announcing his friend's passing, Antony Cotton tweeted: "Just heard the saddest news. David Johnson who was the director of the phenomena that was Oldham Theatre Workshop, has died. He put so many of us on the map, and kick started so many careers, both on stage and off.”
The late, great David set up Oldham Theatre Workshop more than 50 years ago.
He died on Wednesday, March 4, but a cause of death has not yet been revealed.
No age reported.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/18470790/coronation-street-sudden-death-boss/
Actress Maggie Fox, famous her role on “Coronation Street,” died after a “sudden accident” on March 22:
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/maggie-fox-dead-shameless-coronation-street-b2041255.html
A 13-year-old died after a "medical emergency" during a football match, described as "sudden cardiac arrest".
May 9, 2022
The footballer has been named as Samuel Akwasi, a junior player for FC Cavaliers in Nottingham. The club described him as “very well respected by all his team members”. His death was confirmed in a statement released by Nottingham Football Association.
The statement reads: “Nottinghamshire FA is saddened to inform you that following a medical emergency during a youth game yesterday, 13-year-old Samuel, a player for FC Cavaliers, has passed away.”
A spokesperson for FC Cavaliers said Samuel had played with the club since U9s and was “very well respected by all his team members.”
The charity Cardiac Risk in the Young has said that 12 fit and healthy young people die in the UK from undiagnosed cardiac conditions every week.
Chairman of the charity, Dr Steven Cox, told the BBC that it was one of the most common causes of death in young people.
He said: “In 80 percent of tragedies there are no prior symptoms whatsoever, so the first time anyone becomes aware that there's a cardiac problem is when someone collapses and has a cardiac arrest."
He added: “The key thing from CRY's perspective is that every fit and healthy young person from the age of 14 has the opportunity to have cardiac screening, with at least an ECG.”
Next-of-kin appeal as man suddenly dies at home in coastal Dorset village
May 6, 2022
A next-of-kin appeal has been launched after a man suddenly died at his home in a Dorset village. Anthony Gollop, who was 71 years old, died at his home in Ellesdon in Charmouth near Bridport on Tuesday (May 3). Dorset Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious and no police investigation is needed into his death. The Coroner for Dorset is seeking the assistance of the public to find his next of kin.
No cause of death reported.
https://www.dorset.live/news/dorset-news/next-kin-appeal-man-suddenly-7046074
Man dies during Fleetwood Mac tribute gig in Edinburgh
May 6, 2022
A man has died during a Fleetwood Mac tribute act performance at Edinburgh's Usher Hall. Edinburgh Live reports that multiple ambulances and police vehicles rushed to the entertainment venue on the capital's Lothian Road at 7.30 pm on May 5.
Tragically, police have confirmed that a 62-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene after suddenly passing away during the concert. Emergency services attended for around an hour before taking the deceased from the scene.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 7.35 pm on Thursday, 5 May, police were called to the Lothian Road area of Edinburgh, following the sudden death of a 62-year-old man.
"There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
No cause of death reported.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/fleetwood-mac-edinburgh-man-dies-26891194
Family's heartbreak at sudden death of 'doting' young dad of three; Adam Maqsood died aged 28
May 6, 2022
A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a 'doting' young dad-of-three following his sudden death last month. Adam Maqsood, 28, was found unresponsive at his home in Lancashire on April 24 and was later pronounced dead in hospital, LancsLive reports.
His death originally prompted a murder investigation after it was reported he had suffered injuries in an alleged assault in the early hours of that morning. But, following a post-mortem, police later confirmed that his death was not being treated as suspicious.
His older sister Steph Livesey said the dad of three young daughters and member of a large, well known local family, 'lived for his girls'. "He was a very doting father," she said.
She added that despite their pain, it was a 'massive relief' for them when a link between the alleged assault and Adam's death was ruled out by police, adding that they are still waiting for official answers about how he died.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/familys-heartbreak-sudden-death-doting-23881404
Heartbroken parents in 'pinky promise' tribute as son dies suddenly aged 14
May 7, 2022
The parents of a 14-year-old boy who died suddenly are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their only child. The death of Julian ‘Jools’ Sweeney came entirely out of the blue, they said.
Since the devastating loss, Jools' mum and dad, Ellen Roome and her ex-husband, Matthew Sweeney, have set up the Pinky Promise Foundation to help children who are struggling, Gloucestershire Live reports. The foundation, which will help support children and their families, has already received pledges of almost £13,000.
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/heartbroken-parents-pinky-promise-tribute-23881960
St Mungo’s CEO Steve Douglas dies aged 57
May 9, 2022
St Mungo’s has announced the sudden death of its chief executive Steve Douglas. The homelessness charity said in a statement this morning that Mr Douglas, who was 57, died suddenly at his home yesterday morning. Mr Douglas had a career spanning more than 25 years in the housing sector.
Before joining St Mungo’s in 2020 he served as group chief executive of Altair, a housing and regeneration consultancy group, which advised housing associations as well as central, regional and local government.
Joanna Killian, chair of the board of trustees, said: “We are all very saddened to learn of Steve’s untimely death and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. He had worked tirelessly in the housing and homelessness sector for many years and was deeply committed to St Mungo’s in the short time he had been working with us.”
Mr Douglas leaves behind four children and a partner.
No cause of death reported.
https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/news/st-mungos-ceo-steve-douglas-dies-aged-57-75408
Tributes have been paid to a long-serving Morecambe councillor who has died after suffering a serious stroke.
May 9, 2022
Councillor Janice Hanson, a Lancaster city councillor and Morecambe town councillor, suffered a stroke on Friday, and died on Sunday night.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, Leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “In Janice we have lost a dedicated local politician and a colleague who has given a huge service to residents here and across the county and always with good humour and kindness.
“As councillors and as officers, we all benefited from her fire and passion for Morecambe and her belief that we could “get things done”. Personally, I am so sad for her family and close friends and colleagues.
“There are so many things I would like to have said to her to express my admiration and respect. She will be much missed.”
No age reported.
Former Qatari football star Adel Al Mulla, 51, passes away
May 8, 2022
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced in a tweet on May 8, 2022, the sad demise of former Qatari football player Adel Al Mulla. The former football star had passed away due to an unfortunate occurrence of a heart attack in London on May 7, 2022.
Adel Al Mulla, who was aged 51 years old, had played a vital role in the Barcelona Olympic Games in the year 1992 as he had spearheaded Qatar's qualification for the games. Furthermore, he had represented Qatar in multiple international matches and had also played for local football clubs such as Al Arabi, Al Khor and Al Rayyan.
https://www.iloveqatar.net/news/general/death-former-qatari-football-star-adel-al-mulla
Tributes to Bromsgrove stalwart after shock death
May 5, 2022
Tributes have poured in for a Bromsgrove stalwart whose sudden death has rocked the community. Cllr Abdul Jilani died on Tuesday, May 3, at the age of 67, just one day after celebrating Eid at Redditch Mosque.
His unexpected death shocked both Bromsgrove and Redditch where he was heavily involved in the Labour movement.
Bromsgrove district councillor for Rock Hill and deputy leader for Bromsgrove Labour, Harrison Rone-Clarke said he was “perhaps the most hard-working campaigner I’ve ever worked with. My friend Abdul really was one of a kind. Whenever he had a campaign to run, he’d be out every single day, in his suit and tie (looking rather dapper I might add), knocking doors, talking to people and most importantly listening to them. Abdul’s work ethic won him acclaim in his communities.
“Abdul was, more importantly, a fast friend; always asking how my work was going, what else I was getting up to, laughing and hosting some fabulous fundraising evenings in the town centre."
No cause of death reported.
https://www.bromsgroveadvertiser.co.uk/news/20117446.tributes-bromsgrove-stalwart-shock-death/
A teacher who “died suddenly,” at 36, on May 12, 2021:
Co Fermanagh teacher who died suddenly inspires family and friends to take on epic challenge
May 5, 2022
Family and friends of a popular Co Fermanagh teacher are taking on a mammoth challenge this weekend ahead of the first anniversary of her death.
The event is in memory of Amanda McManus from Lisnaskea passed away suddenly on 12th May 2021, aged just 36.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/co-fermanagh-teacher-who-died-23843784
Shock at Dog and Bull at death of popular landlord Mark Knight, 51
May 7, 2022
It’s likely to have a subdued atmosphere at the Dog and Bull on Surrey Street today, after the death of the pub landlord, Mark Knight, on Thursday. Knight, 51, had been running the pub, the oldest in Croydon, for nine years.
No details about the circumstances of Knight’s death were given, but yesterday a statement was issued on the Young’s pub’s Facebook page.
They said, “It is with immense sadness that we have to let you know that our landlord, Mark Knight, tragically passed away very suddenly on Thursday. As you can imagine, we are in complete shock. Thank you to all those who have already expressed your love, concern and sympathies. Your support means a great deal. Thanks to the resilience, hard work and dedication of our amazing staff team, we can confirm that we will be open as usual from Saturday May 7 onwards. We look forward to seeing you for a drink soon."
https://insidecroydon.com/2022/05/07/shock-at-dog-and-bull-at-death-of-popular-landlord-mark-knight/
Police name man who died 'unexpectedly' on farm
May 3, 2022
A man who died on a farm in East Yorkshire has today been named by police as Henry Stamford Thirsk, aged 74.
Humberside Police said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances of Mr Thirsk's death at Everingham, near Pocklington, which was currently being treated as 'unexpected.'
It appealed for anyone with information which might assist officers' inquiries to get in touch.
"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone that spoke to Mr Thirsk on Wednesday April 20," said a spokesman.
https://www.gazetteherald.co.uk/news/20111790.police-name-man-died-unexpectedly-farm/
Tributes as former Press editor Kevin Booth dies at 64
May 4, 2022
A campaigning former editor of The Press, who took the newspaper tabloid and earned it a national campaigning newspaper of the year award, has died suddenly at the age of 64. Lifelong Stoke City fan Kevin Booth, who edited The Press from 2004-2008, passed away in hospital on Sunday.
His wife Trish said he had been suffering from a lung condition known as sarcoidosis for several years. He had been admitted to hospital a few days earlier with a flare-up of the condition, but had seemed to be responding well to treatment. "We thought he was getting better and would be coming home," she said.
He even had tickets to see his beloved Stoke City play Middlesbrough on Saturday. "But then he just deteriorated through Saturday night and Sunday," Trish said. He and and Trish, who had been married for 22 years, lived in the village of Waterfall, in Staffordshire.
Trish said: "He was my best friend and my whole world. He was a real people person. He had friends right across the country, and he treated everybody with the same decency and respect no matter who they were."
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/20112024.tributes-former-press-editor-kevin-booth-dies-64/
Mayo Clinic: “There is no cure for sarcoidosis, but most people do very well with no treatment or only modest treatment. In some cases, sarcoidosis goes away on its own. However, sarcoidosis may last for years and may cause organ damage.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350358
Tributes to young Derbyshire man who passed away suddenly; he was just 24 years old
May 4, 2022
Tributes have been paid to a gifted young Derbyshire sportsman who has died just hours after being given a prestigious award by one of the clubs for which he played. Richard Hill, 24, passed away in Ashbourne suddenly on Saturday night.
It was shortly after attending the annual Ashbourne Rugby Union Football Club and Ashbourne Cricket Club ball on the town’s recreation ground. Mr Hill was pronounced dead at the scene.
As a talented and much-loved member of the ARUFC’s Second Team, earlier in the evening, Richard had been cheered by the audience as he was presented with the Players’ Player of the Year Award.
Derbyshire police issued a statement about the death on Wednesday. It read: "Officers were called to Ashbourne Recreation Ground at 10.35pm on Saturday 30 April to reports that a man was unwell.
"Despite the efforts of paramedics, the man, aged 24 and from the Ashbourne area, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are aware, and our thoughts are with them at this time.
"Enquiries are ongoing into circumstances of the death, however, at this time, there not believed to be any suspicious circumstances."
No cause of death reported.
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/tributes-young-derbyshire-man-who-7037443
Man dies suddenly after taking unwell at Glasgow Queen Street station; off-duty medical professionals and station staff tried to save the man on Monday night but he died at the scene.
May 4, 2022
A man has died after taking unwell at Glasgow Queen Street station despite the best efforts of staff to save him. The man, who was in his 60s, collapsed at the ticket office of the train station on Monday. An off-duty nurse and paramedic along with station staff raced to save the man and performed CPR at 10.34 pm but he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The man's family have since taken to social media to thank those who tried to help.
A post read: "An off duty nurse and off duty paramedic try to resuscitate him. They stayed with him until an ambulance arrived and left before anyone could ask their names.”
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/man-dies-suddenly-after-taking-26870458
Man dubbed the 'murdering hulk' dies after falling ill in prison showers
May 4, 2022
Murderer Mark Whelan, who was dubbed the "murdering hulk" has died after reportedly falling ill in a prison shower.
Whelan, 48, was held at Dublin's Mountjoy Prison and was sentenced to life behind bars just last year and died in hospital after suddenly becoming ill in the prison's showers yesterday.
It is believed that Whelan, who brutally stabbed his daughter's partner to death while high on a cocktail of drugs, was rushed to hospital after he collapsed in the showers and was pronounced dead.
The Irish Prison Service immediately notified gardai, although it is understood that no foul play is suspected in Whelan's death.
No cause of death reported.
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/murder-mark-whelan-dies-prison-26872593
Dave Francis dies
May 9, 2022.
Dave Francis, Kellars sales director, has died. Francis, who died suddenly at the end of April, had been in the flooring industry for 35 years.
After sales reps roles at Yorkdale and Rolf and West he joined Hadfields, where he stayed for a quarter of century, the last nine as commercial director.
He joined Kellars in the same role in 2018 before becoming sales director in January 2021.
Francis, who was in his mid-fifties, is pictured right with Kellars colleagues.
No cause of death reported.
https://interiorsmonthly.co.uk/4966-dave-francis-dies
Andre Trory, 39
May 5, 2022
Lobley Hill - Died suddenly at her home on Friday 15th April 2022, aged 39 years. Dearly loved daughter of Marina and George, much loved mam of Bradley, Tommy, Marley and Cherish. Loving sister of Mark and Dean. Also a dear niece, aunty and cousin.
No cause of death reported.
https://funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/TRORY/5037378
Timothy Mark Heads, 56
May 4, 2022
Timothy Mark (Tim) Heads, of Leeholme, formerly of Copley, died suddenly but peacefully in hospital on 26th April aged 56 years. Dearly loved husband of Pauline, much loved dad of Michael and Ryan, loving son of Pauline and the late Ian, dearest brother to Alison, dear brother-in-law to Stephen and uncle to Robert and Rebecca.
No cause of death reported.
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/announcements/deaths/deaths/20115387.Timothy_Mark_HEADS/
IRELAND
Donald Lavery, 78: ‘A confidant to many’ and ‘highly-esteemed member of Lurgan’
May 7, 2022
A “highly respected and esteemed” member of the Lurgan community, who passed away suddenly earlier this week, has been laid to rest.
The 78-year-old died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening.
Addressing mourners at his Requiem Mass in St Peter’s Church on Saturday morning, the parish priest spoke of Donald’s death and how his family – in particular his daughters – were still in “grave shock” at the suddenness of his passing in his own home.
“There was no time for goodbyes or for farewells,” he said. “His daughters, siblings and his grandchildren are all still in grave shock trying to cope with the suddenness of a much loved father, brother and grandfather’s death, wondering, why so suddenly?”
Donald was a keen cyclist, and was very proud that he was able to combine separate cycling authorities into one cohesive organisation, the Federation of Irish cyclists. He was currently writing a book on local cycling.
Mourners heard how “Donald lived life to the full” being very strict on himself with a no smoking and no alcohol commitment throughout his 78 years of life.
No cause of death reported.
Mayo GAA community stunned as coach dies 'suddenly' leaving 'area shaken to core'
May 4, 2022
Tributes have been pouring in for a dad-of-three after his untimely death left his local GAA community devastated. Achill's Tommy McNamara, who was a Mayo coast guard and a GAA coach for his local area, died unexpectedly on Tuesday May 3.
The tragic father touched the hearts of many in his area, as tributes for the man were placed online.
Bord na nÓg Acla, where McNamara coached, posted a heartbreaking tribute to Tommy saying: “During what continues to be some very tough and sad days for Achill, Bord na nÓg Acla is shaken to its very core to learn of the sudden passing this morning of its current Under 14 coach Tommy McNamara. Away from the field of play, Tommy was a Trojan worker and could always be relied upon to put his shoulder to the wheel in times of crisis."
No cause of death reported.
https://www.galwaybeo.ie/sport/gaa/mayo-gaa-community-stunned-coach-7036052
Rosslare family’s grief following double loss of Thomas and Sean
May 4, 2022
A Rosslare family have been dealt a double blow following the death of two family members in the space of six days. On Saturday, April 23 Thomas Buckley (41) of Rosslare Strand died suddenly in Australia leaving his family in Ireland bereft. And, as they came to terms with Thomas’s passing, the family were dealt a second blow when Sean Buckley, his grandfather, passed away on Sunday, May 1.
The Buckley family has released the following statement regarding Thomas’s sudden and unexpected passing.
“It is with a heavy heart that we come together to write this tribute in acknowledgement of the tragic loss of Thomas Buckley. Tom was Gena’s loving partner of 19 years and a completely devoted father to their children Darragh (15) and Alannah (8), whom he adored with a passion."
No causes of death reported.
FRANCE
Hélène de Saint-Père (Caïn, Alex Hugo) died at the age of 62
May 6, 2022
This Wednesday, May 4, actress Hélène de Saint-Père died at the age of 62. After studying at Cours Florent, she acted in numerous plays, films and television series.
It is a face well known to viewers who has just disappeared. This Wednesday, May 4, the actress Hélène de Saint-Père died at the age of 62 , as announced by Le Film Français . Born in Brazzaville, Congo, she cut her teeth at the prestigious Cours Florent. After three years of study, Hélène de Saint-Père entered the school of Amandiers de Nanterre directed by Patrice Chéreau and Pierre Romans. “These two years with them, in a small group because we were 19, were more than exciting, confided the actress on the Cours Florent website.We made two films and played three plays under their direction in Avignon. At that time the Amandiers theater was in full swing, we were in daily contact with the reality of the profession, it was not at all a classical school.
Cause of death not reported.
https://fr.news.yahoo.com/h%C3%A9l%C3%A8ne-saint-p%C3%A8re-ca%C3%AFn-alex-162745336.html
GERMANY
Klezmer maestro from Chernivtsi; Jossif Gofenberg died at the age of 72
May 5, 2022
When Jossif Gofenberg was ill, his father brought him an accordion. The then six-year-old wanted to get up and get started immediately, but his father still found him too weak. But he replied that music had already made him healthy - since then it had been the content of his life for him.
But just as important to him was the cooperation between amateurs and professionals, with whom the musician rehearsed and stood on stage. "They're all family members," Gofenberg once said. You couldn't overlook Jossif Gofenberg, he was so big and strong. His trademark is also striking: the ponytail. On April 18, the klezmer maestro died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 72.
No cause of death reported.
https://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/unsere-woche/klezmer-maestro-aus-czernowitz/
Two mysterious car accidents:
Fatal accident near Rauschenberg: Was a medical emergency behind the wheel the cause?
May 8, 2022
An 85-year-old pensioner got his car off the road yesterday afternoon (May 7th, 2022) and died at the scene of the accident. A medical cause may have caused the accident, reports the Central Franconia police headquarters.
The pensioner was on his way from Rauschenberg towards Ober Höchstädt at around 2 p.m. A witness who drove behind the 85-year-old observed that he suddenly got into the shoulder with his car several times to the right.
Shortly before a wooded area, he came again into the banquet and drove over a water culvert and a delineator post. The car then hit two trees and came to rest on the right side of the vehicle.
The pensioner was no longer able to speak and died at the scene of the accident after rescue workers attempted to revive him. According to initial findings, a medical cause could have led to the accident. The car was totaled.
Nordhausen: Fatal accident in Parkallee. Any help comes too late for motorist.
May 5, 2022
In Nordhausen , a driver first crashed through a hedge and then into a tree. The 63-year-old died at the scene of the accident.
According to initial information, a 63-year-old man was driving his car on the B4 on Parkallee in the direction of Krimderode on Monday afternoon. At the level of an allotment garden, the car then left the road for reasons that have not yet been clarified.
First, the car crashed through a hedge and then crashed head-on into a tree. An alarmed emergency doctor could only determine death - for the man any help came too late.
https://www.thueringen24.de/thueringen/article235247245/Nordhausen-Parkallee-Unfall-Krimderode.html
SPAIN
Jorge Ramos dead: Popular Malaga sports journalist died following a heart attack while covering a press conference
May 4, 2022
Popular Malaga sports journalist Jorge Ramos, a former editor for SER and AS, died at the age of 60 after he reportedly suffered a sudden heart attack while covering a press conference on Tuesday, May 3.
According to Spanish media outlet AS, Andalucian journalist Jorge Ramos Rico, dubbed one of the historical voices of Malaga sport, lost his life suddenly while covering a press conference in Antequera.
Apparently, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering a heart attack, as reported by SUR.
Jorge Ramos covered matches and sporting events for four decades in the region, most notably covering football and basketball. His voice was the voice of Málaga on Cadena SER for many years. As well as working for 101 Television, Ramos was also the voice of Club Deportivo Málaga.
https://euroweeklynews.com/2022/05/04/jorge-ramos-malaga-died-heart-attack/
Gran Canaria: Tributes paid to popular businessman Lorenzo Ortego who died unexpectedly
May 4, 2022
Gran Canaria – Popular businessman Lorenzo Ortego, director of the Vital Suites – Residence, Health & Spa, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 3, according to local media reports. Tributes have poured in for the former RIU Hotels & Resorts general manager.
Ortego began his career in 1987, at Viajes el Corte Inglés. During his career, he held the position of general manager at major hotels on the island, including at RIU Hotels & Resorts, Seaside Hotels and Dunas Hotels & Resorts chains. Since 2009, he had been in charge of the Vital Suites Hotel & Spa.
He was very well respected in the Canarian tourism industry and his sudden death has come as a shock to many people, who have taken to social media to pay their respects.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
No age reported.
https://euroweeklynews.com/2022/05/04/gran-canaria-lorenzo-ortego-died-unexpectedly/
Thank you for doing this. It is important.
Connecting the dots does not appear to be something the MSM will ever help the general public do.