Devoted Dad Lee Eddleston Dies After Choking at Kitchen Table Following Night Out

BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE – June 2025: A beloved father-of-four tragically died after choking on his own vomit moments after sitting down to eat a simple meal at his kitchen table. The heartbreaking incident occurred on January 16, 2024, at Lee Eddleston’s home in Blackburn, following a night out with friends.

The 55-year-old, affectionately known as “Eggy” to family and friends, had spent the evening at Rishton Workmen’s Club, a local venue in Lancashire. After returning home, he made himself a sandwich and a yoghurt and sat down to eat. A short time later, his housemate Andrew Aspinall, who had stayed behind at the club, returned to the house and made the devastating discovery.

“I found Lee lying flat on his back. There was half a butty and a yoghurt on the table. His skin was cold, and I realised straight away he was dead,” Andrew recalled in a statement read at Preston Coroners’ Court on Monday.

Emergency services were called, and paramedics confirmed Lee had passed away before their arrival.

Medical Findings

A post-mortem conducted by Dr. Neil Papworth found that Lee had died from aspiration pneumonia, a condition where vomit enters the lungs. The pathologist explained that Lee had been “profoundly intoxicated”, with a blood alcohol level of 195mcg per 100ml of blood, more than twice the legal drink-driving limit.

Dr. Papworth noted that while the alcohol level was not high enough to cause death on its own, it significantly impaired Lee’s ability to protect his airway, making him more vulnerable to choking. Some of the sandwich ingredients were even found in his lungs, suggesting he vomited shortly after beginning to eat.

Assistant Coroner Sian Jones ruled the case as an alcohol-related death, stating: “Lee had consumed enough alcohol to be significantly intoxicated, impairing his body’s natural reflexes to protect his airways.”

Community in Mourning

Lee, who had three daughters and a son, was deeply cherished in the Rishton and Blackburn communities. He was described as “a lovely lad” and “well known and well liked.”

After his sudden passing, his friends launched a Facebook tribute page to remember his life and share memories.
Friend Gen Wild wrote: “He had a heart of gold and a brilliant personality.”
Another friend, Andy Holmes, added: “Your positive vibes often picked me up when I would read your posts. You always tried your best for others. Your positive energy will always be remembered.”