University student Alfie Head, 18, died after drinking a bottle of vodka at a sporting event, inquest heard

An 18-year-old university student died after drinking a bottle of vodka at a sporting event, an inquest heard.

Alfie Head was studying at the University of Lincoln during his first term when he died on November 14 last year.

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The court heard today how the young man died of hypoxic brain injury as a direct result of aspiration pneumonia caused by acute alcohol toxicity.

During the inquest, local Lincolnshire coroner Jayne Wilkes read out a statement from Lincolnshire police officer Thomas Jacobs. Police.

PC Jacobs was asked to Cygnet Wharf student accommodation in Lincoln just after midnight on November 9, following reports that Alfie was in cardiac arrest.

He noticed that there were several paramedics already in a bedroom.

The inquest heard that PC Jacobs spoke to one of Alfie’s friends, who explained that they had consumed alcohol earlier in the evening as part of a Lacrosse Society social event at an address.

He explained that among the “pre-drinks” there was a bottle of vodka and that Alfie had “just finished it”.

The friend stated that he was “surprised” that Alfie had finished the bottle.

Alfie collapsed on the way home to Cygnet Wharf and his friends helped him get back.

The friend said Alfie “went very poorly very quickly” and his breathing became inconsistent.

Paramedics arrived at the student residence just after midnight and found Alfie in cardiac arrest.

He died on November 14, 2023 at Lincoln County Hospital after being treated in the intensive care unit

At the inquest, the coroner read out a family statement describing Alfie as “much loved at home and at university”.

The statement noted that Alfie was “soon to be an uncle”, was a passionate gamer and advocate Arsenaland was “our little boy with a very bright future ahead of him”.

It added that Alfie “always had a smile on his face”.

The inquest heard how Alfie joined the lacrosse club at university, having never played the sport before, and was “so proud” to be on the team.

Concluding the inquest, the coroner confirmed that Alfie’s death was alcohol-related.

Mrs Wilkes thanked the family for their support of the inquest and said: “I would like to express my condolences for their loss”, adding that the death was “a loss in such tragic circumstances”.

‘HEARTBROKEN’

Tributes previously poured in for clever Alfie, originally from Hertford.

Post on FacebookAlfie’s heartbroken dad Mark Head, 54, wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that Clair and I have to say that Alfie passed away peacefully today.

“He was the happiest we have ever seen him at Lincoln University and was having the time of his life.

“Receiving a phone call at 1:30 am that your son was seriously ill in intensive care is the hardest thing a parent will ever experience.

“He fought bravely, but the odds were stacked against him. Sleep Well son and we will meet again.”

A spokesperson for Lincoln University Lacrosse said at the time: “We are extremely heartbroken by the passing of our member, Alfie. He was the life and soul and a highly valued member of our team, serving as our promising new goalkeeper.

“He was extremely loved and will be greatly missed. Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to Alfie’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“The Students’ Union and Lincoln Lacrosse will have no further comment.”