Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell died from organ failure in hospital as concerns raised over his care, inquest told

ARSENAL and Everton legend Kevin Campbell died from multi-organ failure due to a heart infection, an inquest heard today.

The striker passed away in hospital last month aged just 54 – sparking an outpouring of grief from his ex-teammates.

GettyKevin Campbell died after being admitted to hospital[/caption]

GettyThe former Arsenal star suffered multi-organ failure[/caption]

An inquest into Campbell’s death today heard how the star’s provisional cause of death was given as multi-organ failure due to a heart infection.

The hearing was told he had been admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) in May but concerns have been raised over his care.

Coroner Zac Golombek said Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital, had declared a Level 5 patient safety incident – the most serious category – about aspects of his care.

He added: “In terms of the circumstances of his death he had been admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary on May 15 2024.

“He had been reported to have been fit and well until around January 2024 when he had a number of admissions to hospital before this final admission.

“I have been notified that Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust which manages Manchester Royal Infirmary has declared a Level 5 incident related to aspects of Mr Campbell’s care in which there is reference to both a delay in aspects of his care and diagnosis, and also concerns raised over decision-making processes with regards to the institutions of palliative care.

“Those matters are now subject to internal investigations by the hospital trust.”

A full inquest was adjourned to a date to be set while the investigation is ongoing.

Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 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 tributes for the star, who became a pundit after hanging up his boots.

The team said: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.

“Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Kevin.”

Campbell’s former club Everton, where he spent six years after joining in 1999 – making 137 appearances for the club.

The Toffees said: “Everton said: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.

“Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know.

“RIP, Super Kev.”

In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.

As well as Arsenal and Everton, he had stints at Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Cardiff City.

Campbell holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.

But he did make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.

Wayne Rooney, who played at Everton with the footballer, said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev – thinking of all his family and friends.

“Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”

While Arsenal star Tony Adams added: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.

“An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us.

“Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”

GettyThe star had successful stints at both Everton and Arsenal[/caption]

PAFormer teammate Wayne Rooney was among those who paid tribute[/caption]