An ex- footballer died after choking on his food at a restaurant, an inquest has heard.
Neil Campbell was dining at an Italian eatery when the fatal accident took place, TeessideLive reports.
Paramedics rushed to the scene in Yarm, near Stockton-on-Tees, however they were not able to save the 45-year-old's life.
An inquest has now heard how Neil, known as 'Cammy', died on April 30 due to his airway being obstructed by food.
The devoted dad was well known in the footballing community across Teesside and the UK.
He started his professional career at York City and went on to play for Scarborough, Southend United and Doncaster Rovers clubs.
Having played junior football for Nunthorpe Athletic, Neil, was also assistant manager at Thornaby FC last season.
On Thursday, an inquest was held at Teesside Coroner's Court looking into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The former footballer's family attended and previously told Teesside Live he was the 'kindest, gentlest person in the world'.
The inquest heard Neil had been enjoying a meal out in Yarm's Uno Ristorante with friends after a stag do on the Saturday at Thirsk Races when he fell unwell.
Ambulance crews, including a doctor and paramedic, were called to the scene shortly after 7pm but tragically medics were unable to save his life.
Assistant coroner for Teesside and Hartlepool Karin Welsh summarised a witness report she said: "On the day he died he had been out socialising and returned to the North East for a meal.
"It seemed he suddenly had a problem with a piece of food that was lodged and despite best efforts he was not able to be saved."
The inquest heard his body was identified by his family and a post-mortem examination was conducted by Dr David Scoones, a pathologist at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital.
Dr Scoones gave the cause of death as airway obstruction by food.
Addressing the family, Coroner Welsh said: "I can't begin to imagine what you have all been through it is clear Neil had a very full life not only through his sports activities but his teaching. This is a lesson for all of us about the precious nature of life."
His death was recorded as an accident.
A funeral service in May heard stories about the former footballer's life and his passion for the game which had begun at a young age.
Loved ones said he achieved his dreams and went on to change the lives of thousands of children in Middlesbrough.
Back in May, Teesside Live reported hundreds of mourners gathered at St Bede's Chapel at Teesside Crematorium to say a final farewell to Neil.
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Paying tribute to his brother in May, Andy Campbell, who also had a successful footballing career and played for Middlesbrough FC, said: "For me he's got the whole package.
"You'd speak to one person who said he was the angriest footballer in the world and then you'd speak to someone else who said he was the kindest, gentlest person in the world.
"I see it all because I see him in all walks of life.
"He was always up to mischief, always willing to have a laugh. If he was here now he'd try and turn it into a bit of fun to try and get people laughing, joking and smiling.
"There's too much sadness in the world and he was one of the good guys who tried to turn it around.
"I'd never throw this word around but he is, was and will always be my hero."
