The family of retired football star Kevin Campbell has raised serious concerns about the medical treatment he received prior to his untimely death at the age of 54. Campbell, a former striker for Everton and Arsenal, passed away on June 15, 2023, at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI). The provisional cause of death was identified as multi-organ failure due to infective endocarditis, a heart infection.

Timeline of Events

Campbell had been in good health until January 2024, but his condition deteriorated significantly in the months leading up to his death. He was admitted to the MRI multiple times, including a six-and-a-half-week period where doctors failed to pinpoint the underlying cause of his declining health. His final admission in May 2024 resulted in his passing. The MRI later classified his treatment as a Level 5 patient safety incident, the most severe category.

Family's Concerns

Sebastian Naughton, the lawyer representing Campbell’s family, highlighted delays in diagnosis and shortcomings in treatment during Campbell's final hospitalization. The family, who were not present at the pre-inquest hearing, are particularly concerned about his earlier hospital stay, where no clear cause for his deteriorating health was identified.

Legacy of a Football Legend

Kevin Campbell had a storied career, scoring 59 goals in 224 appearances for Arsenal and winning multiple titles, including the 1990/91 league title, FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winners' Cup. He also played for Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor, and Everton, where he served as captain under Walter Smith. Post-retirement, Campbell worked in sports media and was an active member of the Black Footballers Partnership, advocating for the voice and influence of black footballers.

Ongoing Investigation

The full inquest into Campbell's death has been adjourned, with a date yet to be decided. The Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust has declined to comment on the ongoing proceedings.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, Kevin Campbell’s legacy remains intact, remembered not only for his contributions on the field but also for his advocacy off it.