Arsenal and Everton -legend Kevin Campbell lost more than the 10th in four months after the suffering of several organ failure before his death, heard an investigation.
The striker died in the hospital in June in June, only 54 years old – who caused an outpouring of his ex -teammates's sorrow.
An investigation into Campbell's death today heard that he was “desperate” when he was admitted to hospital months before his death and had lost more than half of his body weight.
He was fit until about January 2024 until he was admitted to the hospital with heart and kidney failure.
No underlying reason for his declining health was identified during his six -week stay and he was fired two months later after “responding well to treatment”, it was said.
But in May last year, Campbell was re -admitted after his weight fell to 9.3st and he developed Gangrene in his toes.
He was so weak on this point that his family – including his Sheffield United Striker son Tyrese – was told that he was not expected to survive.
Although Campbell was “alert” and “aware”, the court heard that he was “very weak”.
He died on 15 June where it was discovered that the footballer had a rare infection in his heart called endocarditis.
Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) stated a level 5 incident on patient safety to see if a delay in diagnosing the infection could have contributed to his death.
But this was reduced to an incident at level 2 and the hospital concluded that his death was “possibly avoidable but not very likely”.
Consultant Dr. Robert Henney said that tests suggested that the infectious endocarditis “was not present during the first recording”.
He added: “Kevin was so weak as a result of cardiovative and kidney failure and weight loss that even if we had diagnosed the endocarditis on that day (of recording), I don't think his treatment would have been different.
“What he actually needed was an operation … but he was so weak that was not an option. Unfortunately there was nothing else that could have been done.”
Coroner Zak Golombek ruled that “there had been clear evidence of a missed opportunity or a delay in the diagnosis” of the Endocarditis of Campbell.
He added: “That was allowed by trust.
“However, it is also part of the evidence that this specific missed opportunity or delay in the diagnosis would not have contributed to the death of Kevin in the field of probably.”
Campbell made 213 performances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995 and scored 59 goals in all competitions.
During his time at the club he won the old first division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Arsenal led a tribute for the star, who became an expert after hung his boots.
The team said: “We are devastated to hear that our former striker Kevin Campbell died after a short illness.
“Kevin was worshiped by everyone in the club. We all think of his friends and family in this difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Campbell's former club Everton, where he spent six years after participation in 1999 – 137 performances for the club.
The Toffees said: “Everton said:” Everyone in Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of only 54.
“Not only a real goodison park – hero and icon of the English game, but also an incredible person – as everyone who has ever met him will know.
“Rip, Super Kev.”
In a career of two decades, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional performances.
In addition to Arsenal and Everton, he had Stints in Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Cardiff City.
Campbell has the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.
But he made four performances for England U21s and one appearance for the English B team.
Wayne Rooney, who played with the football player at Everton, said: “Absolutely destroyed to hear the news about KEV – thinking of all his family and friends.
“KEV was a great teammate, but more importantly, a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”
While Arsenal star Tony Adams added: “Super KEV: a target machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.
“An intensely private and a really great person. I have been destroyed for his loved ones, and all of us.
“I love your super kev, skipper.”
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