Mohamed Nassar, a 58-year-old Tesco security guard, has died 44 days after choking on a doughnut while on duty, his family confirmed. The incident occurred on Friday, May 8, at the Tesco Express store on New Bailey Street in Salford, near Manchester city centre.
Details of the incident
Nassar needed to eat to take prescribed medication and began eating a doughnut when he choked and collapsed on the shop floor. Fellow staff and customers reportedly screamed as paramedics rushed to the scene. He was resuscitated and taken to hospital.
According to his family, his heart stopped for 23 minutes, resulting in severe brain damage. He never regained consciousness, and after ventilation was withdrawn, he died on Sunday, June 22.
Family's tribute and struggle
In a statement to the Manchester Evening News, his family said: "We are all absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Mohamed Nassar. His passing has left a huge void in our family, and we are still struggling to come to terms with what has happened."
Father-of-three Nassar moved to Manchester from London in 2020 and lived in Ardwick. Formerly a musician, he worked for a third-party security firm for about five years. His 23-year-old son Seif Abdelwaneis said his mother Nancy Elkarnshawy and sisters Nariman, 28, and Malak, 14, were stunned by the phone call informing them of his collapse.
The family described feeling "overwhelmed" by the "love, prayers, and support from so many people" during his hospital stay. They said: "We are not only grieving but are also facing significant financial difficulties as a result of this tragedy. We continue to search for legal assistance and support but have unfortunately had little luck to date."
Store manager's response
Osarugue Onaghise, manager of the Manchester Bailey Express Tesco store, expressed: "On behalf of all our colleagues at our Manchester Bailey Express store, we remain deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Mohamed. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time."
