Mohamed Nassar, a 58-year-old father of three, died on June 22, 2026, forty-four days after choking on a doughnut while working as a security guard at a Tesco Express store in Salford, Greater Manchester. The incident occurred on May 8 at the New Bailey Street branch, close to Manchester city centre, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Incident Details
Nassar began choking while eating a doughnut to take medication and collapsed on the shop floor. Staff and customers raised the alarm, and paramedics resuscitated him before transferring him to hospital. However, his heart had stopped for 23 minutes, causing severe brain damage, his family said. He never regained consciousness and died after ventilation was withdrawn.
Family Tribute
In a statement released 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. Before he passed, our dad spent 44 days fighting, and it was incredibly hard for us to see him like that."
Nassar, originally from London, relocated to Manchester in 2020 and lived in Ardwick. He previously worked as a musician and had been employed by a third-party security firm for about five years. His son Seif Abdelwaneis, 23, said his mother Nancy Elkarnshawy and sisters Nariman, 28, and Malak, 14, were shocked when they learned he had collapsed at work.
Community Support
The family expressed gratitude for the "love, prayers, and support from so many people" during his hospitalisation. They said: "Your kindness, encouragement, and support meant so much to us during the hardest time of our lives." They also noted significant financial difficulties and are seeking legal assistance. A fundraising appeal originally set up to support the family will now cover funeral expenses and provide financial aid.
Tesco Statement
Osarugue Onaghise, manager of the Manchester Bailey Express Tesco store, said: "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."
