Two brothers from Stoke-on-Trent have died within four days of each other, leaving their family devastated. Chris Rogers, 42, passed away on June 19, just four days after his younger brother Dave Rogers, 37, died suddenly from a brain aneurysm.
Sudden Illness Strikes Dave
Dave, who lived in the same block of flats as Chris in Hanley, became seriously ill without warning. Chris's partner, Claire Louise-Meigh, described the moment Dave collapsed: "Dave had an aneurysm out of nowhere. We were having a laugh and a joke with him. Then he just stopped, paused, and dropped. His face drooped and his pupil blew."
A blood vessel had burst in his brain, requiring 13-hour surgery. However, Dave emerged brain dead, and nothing more could be done.
Chris's Own Health Battle
Meanwhile, Chris had been fighting serious health issues for about six months. A scan had revealed liver damage, which doctors believed would regenerate. But infections set in because his liver couldn't filter toxins, damaging his kidneys. Fluid built up in his legs, arms, stomach, and chest, making it hard to breathe.
Claire said: "We got told that it looked like he was starting to improve. His liver appeared to be healing. But then he died less than 24 hours later."
A Devastating Loss
Claire described the double loss as "absolutely awful." She said: "Chris died shouting out for his brother. He was never allowed to see his little brother before he passed away, because he was too ill. They never got to say goodbye. I think that just made Chris give up."
She added: "There was only four days between them. It's just devastating. How does that even happen?"
Remembering the Brothers
Chris and Dave were known for their fun-loving personalities. Claire said: "Chris was a brilliant, gentle giant. He was my soulmate. Everyone Chris met loved him. The pair of them were amazing. They got on like a house on fire. They were forever playing tricks on each other."
The family is now planning a joint funeral and has started a GoFundMe to cover costs. Claire said: "Their mum is absolutely beside herself. Nobody should have to bury a child. Never mind burying two at the same time."
