Sponsored by
Russell Crowe co-star died after inhaling asbestos
A CORONATION Street actor from Leeds who appeared in films including Gangs of New York and Gladiator died from an asbestos-related cancer, it was revealed today.
Man mountain David Nicholls, 58, died in June this year after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2007.
Yesterday at an inquest into his death at Leeds Coroners Court, Melanie Williamson, deputy assistant coroner, recorded a verdict that Mr Nicholls died of an industrial disease.
The hearing was told that there was evidence that he had contracted the disease after inhaling asbestos.
Mr Nicholls, who lived in Armley, played roles in films such as Gladiator, with Hollywood star Russell Crowe and Gangs of New York and also had parts in TV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street. His stage presence was all the more distinctive due to his 6ft 5in height.
The inquest heard that it is believed that Mr Nicholls was exposed to asbestos in his teens whilst working at a factory in Tipton, West Midlands.
Prior to his death Mr Nicholls prepared a statement stating where he may have come into contact with asbestos.
Speaking afterwards, Julie Connor, Mr Nicholl's long term partner, said: "We are all just glad that we finally have some answers about his death, the last 18 months have been a terribly upsetting time for all of us. David was such a talented man, and his many TV and film appearances are a legacy that we will all treasure forever and I am sure will provide comfort during the difficult times ahead."
Commenting on the verdict his family's solicitor, Ian Bailey, an Industrial diseases expert at law firm Irwin Mitchell's Leeds office, said: "It has not come as a shock that David's tragic death was caused by mesothelioma which is likely to be a direct result of exposure to asbestos in his younger years.
"The family now intend to pursue legal action against the insurance company appointed by his employer at the time he was exposed to this deadly substance."
Mr Nicholls leaves behind his long term partner Julie Connor and three sons Jai, James and Sam
Email to a friend
Print this page- Leeds lose Ward to Palace: Is there anyone they can afford now?
- Sheffield Wednesday leaving it late to hijack Leeds United over Ward
- As Snodgrass dithers over Leeds, Warnock throws a lifeline
- Ball is in Leeds United’s court over contract - Snodgrass
- Police turning blind eye to Asian voter fraud, says MP
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
