A footballer expecting to become a father collapsed and died during a match without ever meeting his unborn baby, an inquest has heard.
Mitchell Joseph, aged 33, had been assured it was safe to play football following a heart operation he underwent. However, tragedy struck when the defender collapsed just 30 minutes into the match in Swansea, with medics desperately attempting to revive him.
Unfortunately, Mitchell could not be revived and passed away two hours later in hospital, while his pregnant fiancée Laura Davies rushed to be by his side.
In an emotional statement during his inquest, Laura said: “I have lost out on my partner and him being a father to our baby.”
The court was informed that Mitchell, a carpenter, had undergone surgery to repair a valve in his heart after experiencing a fall at work. Doctors had reassured him that he could “get on with his life,” including returning to the sport he loved.
