Mohamed Nassar, a 58-year-old Tesco security guard, has died 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.
Incident Details
Nassar was on shift and needed to eat to take prescribed medication. He began eating a doughnut when he choked and collapsed on the shop floor, prompting fellow staff and customers to scream, according to a family member. Paramedics resuscitated him at the scene, but his heart had stopped for 23 minutes, causing severe brain damage, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
He never regained consciousness and died on Sunday, June 22, after ventilation was withdrawn, spending 44 days in hospital.
Family Tribute
In a statement, 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, a father of three, relocated from London to Manchester in 2020 and lived in Ardwick. He worked for 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 stunned by the news.
Financial Struggles and Support
The family said they face significant financial difficulties due to the tragedy and are seeking legal assistance. A fundraising campaign has been launched to cover funeral expenses and provide financial stability. The family thanked supporters, saying: "Your kindness, encouragement, and support meant so much to us during the hardest time of our lives."
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."
Nassar was a former musician and is remembered by his family as a "wonderful person" who was "deeply loved."
