Concerns raised over death of ex-Arsenal & Everton striker Campbell

A coroner’s court heard from the family of former Premier League player Kevin Campbell that he had concerns about the care he had received before passing away.

The 54-year-old striker from Arsenal and Everton passed away at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) on June 15.

A heart condition known as infective endocarditis was the cause of death’s provisional death.

Up until about January 2024, Mr. Campbell, who also played for Trabzonspor in Turkey and Nottingham Forest, was well-fit.

The most serious category of his care was later identified as a Level 5 patient safety incident, according to the pre-inquest review hearing.

Sebastian Naughton, representing Mr Campbell’s family, said the MRI’s own investigation had identified “some shortcomings” in treatment, with reference to a delay in diagnosis during his final spell at the hospital.

He said the family, who were not present at the hearing, wanted to know more about his earlier stay there.

“The family have questions about the first admission”, he said.

“Generally speaking, there was a six and a half week of admission with no clear cause, and we were unsure whether there had been a better opportunity.”

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust stated in a statement that it would not comment on ongoing proceedings.

Mr Campbell scored 59 goals in 224 games for Arsenal and, alongside the 1990-91 league title, he also won the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners ‘ Cup with the Gunners.

He spent three years at Nottingham Forest starting in 1995, and he then made a one-season stop in Turkey before making his Everton debut in 1999.

He spent time as the captain under Walter Smith while he was still in the Merseyside until 2005, when he left for West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff.