The passing of former footballer Kevin Campbell at the age of 54 in June last year left a profound impact on his family and fans alike.
As his sons, Tyrese and Kyle, who are also footballers, spoke publicly for the first time about their father’s final months, they shared how his health rapidly declined, leaving them to come to terms with the loss.
Kevin Campbell’s Shocking Weight Loss and Sudden Health Decline
In an inquest hearing held by Manchester area coroner Zak Goldberg, it was revealed that Campbell had suffered a dramatic weight loss of 10 stone between January and May last year.
From weighing 19 stone in January, the ex-footballer had dropped to barely 9 stone by the time he was re-admitted to the hospital.
His sudden and severe weight loss was caused by a rare heart infection called endocarditis, which had gone undiagnosed for some time.
Doctors at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) later admitted that the infection, which attacks the inner lining of the heart or its valves, should have been spotted earlier.
However, the coroner concluded that there was little that could have been done to save Campbell’s life, given his already deteriorating health.
A Heartbreaking Family Reflection on His Decline
Both of Campbell’s sons, Tyrese and Kyle, expressed how difficult it was to witness their once-fit father undergo such a drastic transformation.
Kyle, a striker for Bootle FC, said that seeing his father lose so much weight was heartbreaking.
“It’s hard on the mind when you see someone so fit, so powerful, and so loving, and you’re looking at him thinking, ‘that’s not him,’” he shared with the BBC.
Tyrese, who plays for Sheffield United, admitted that the family had prepared for their father’s passing, even feeling a sense of relief once it came.
“We knew it was coming,” Tyrese said. “We’re our Dad’s kids, so we’ve got his strength.
We were relieved when the day came, he wasn’t in pain anymore, and we were at peace with that.”
The brothers spoke with warmth about their father, describing him as a “respectful, happy and positive person.”
Tyrese added that anyone who knew Campbell would remember him for his incredible personality and positive influence.
“He was a proper angel sent from heaven,” he said, honoring his father’s legacy.
The Medical Oversight and the Endocarditis Diagnosis
Campbell’s health had begun to decline in January, after he suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot on his heart, which led to kidney and liver issues.
Although doctors initially investigated the possibility of a viral infection, no clear cause was found.
Campbell’s condition continued to worsen, and after some time in intensive care, he appeared to be recovering and was discharged in early March.
However, his health took another turn for the worse after a visit to a cardiology clinic.
It was only then that doctors discovered the heart valve infection that had contributed to his rapidly deteriorating health.
Despite the discovery, Campbell’s condition was already too severe for open-heart surgery, which was the only treatment that could have saved him.
Dr. Robert Henney, a consultant pathologist at MRI, stated that Campbell’s physical fitness had initially helped him survive as long as he did.
“His physical fitness allowed him to get that ill before being admitted,” Dr. Henney explained.
The Aftermath and Hospital Investigation
Campbell’s case prompted an internal review at the hospital, which initially launched a critical incident investigation, a protocol used when an oversight may have contributed to a death.
However, after further assessment, the hospital downgraded the investigation to a level 2, indicating that no harm had been done by any delays in diagnosis.
Kevin Campbell’s Legacy as a Football Legend
Kevin Campbell’s legacy as a footballer is undeniable.
He made his mark at both Arsenal and Everton, earning a reputation for his leadership and skill on the pitch.
At Everton, Campbell scored 50 goals in 160 appearances, helping the club avoid relegation during his time there.
His success continued with Arsenal, where he won the FA Cup, the League Cup, and played a part in securing a First Division title and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Throughout his career, Campbell made 107 goals in 394 top-flight English appearances and also played for Nottingham Forest, West Brom, Cardiff City, Leyton Orient, and Leicester City.
His family and fans remember him not only for his footballing talents but for the kind, positive, and powerful presence he brought to everyone around him.