A family has been left devastated after a father collapsed and died from a suspected heart attack during his son's funeral. Norman 'Nosha' White, 61, was at Teesside Crematorium for the service of David Beilicki, 41, when he suddenly fell ill.
David was found dead on a relative's sofa after a long battle with drug addiction, with an investigation into the cause of his death still ongoing. His sister, Chantelle Beilicki, said he had been doing well staying off drugs. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that David died exactly ten years to the day of the memorial service for his stillborn twin sons, Karson and Deacon.
Speaking about the day of the funeral on August 21, Chantelle said: 'When we got into the chapel and sat down, I looked around and said where's my dad?' She was then told that her father had collapsed. The chapel was emptied while an ambulance was called, and Norman was taken to hospital. He was accompanied by his sister, while the rest of the family continued with the funeral service before receiving the devastating news that he had died.
Norman, a father of seven, had no previous heart problems. Chantelle said: 'I think he must have died from a broken heart. I think seeing all the family together like that must have been too much.' She described her father as an intensely private man who was well-known and popular, adding that he was passionate about boxing and still trained others.
David, who was a father to his adult son Ethan and nine-year-old Jaxon, was described by his sister as having 'a heart as big as the ocean'. He had been living with Chantelle and her family in Park End, Middlesbrough. She said: 'My kids are devastated. The whole place just isn't the same without him.'
Chantelle also praised the staff at Rose Funerals, saying they were 'fantastic throughout the traumatic event'. Norman's own funeral is due to take place on September 18 at St Hilda's Chapel at Teesside Crematorium.
