Arsenal hero Kevin Campbell ‘lost over 10st in four months’ as cause of death given

An inquest into the death of former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell heard how the former Arsenal icon was ‘desperately unwell’ when he was admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary

An inquest into the death of former Premier League footballer Kevin Campbell has heard that there was a delay in diagnosing the heart infection which led to his death.

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Campbell died in June 2024 at the age of 54 after he was admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary

The court heard today (April 14) that the 54-year-old was ‘desperately unwell’ when he was first admitted to MRI in January of that year. He had been experiencing lethargy, tiredness and breathlessness. The coroner concluded that the delay did not significantly contribute to his death.

Tests revealed he had suffered a stroke and also had heart failure, chronic kidney disease and an acute liver injury. He was admitted to intensive care where he received dialysis and antibiotics. After more than two weeks in hospital, his condition improved enough for him to be discharged.

However, it remained unclear exactly what had caused Campbell’s illness. Dr Robert Henney, a consultant physician at MRI, told the inquest that Campbell was ‘desperately unwell’ when he was admitted to hospital and it was probably only due to his ‘physical fitness’ that he survived to that point.