Parents warn of alcohol danger after whisky tragedy of man, 22

THE heartbroken family of a 22-year-old man who died three hours after drinking three-quarters of a litre of whisky have urged others to be careful about how much they drink.

Gavin King, who only drank occasionally, died in August after finishing a night out with friends by drinking a large amount of Jack Daniel's.

Mr King, a mechanic from Meanwood in Leeds, died in the city's St James's Hospital three hours after collapsing in the street.

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Wakefield Coroner's Court heard that Mr King only drank occasionally and his body was not used to dealing with large amounts of alcohol.

The bottle of Jack Daniel's had been a Christmas present.

His devastated parents, Tracey and Michael, gave a heartfelt warning to others about alcohol following his death.

They said: "If it helps just one person to know the dangers of drink at least something good will have come out of us losing our son.

"Gav was never in trouble with the police and never caused anyone any harm. We find it hard that Gav decided to drink Jack Daniel's that night and three hours later was dead. His life was cut far too short, but Gavin died as he lived – everyone's friend."

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St James's Hospital consultant Andrew Boon told the inquest analysis of Mr King's blood alcohol level was the equivalent of three times the legal limit for driving.

Dr Boon said Mr King had eaten a lot and his cough and gag reflex wasn't working properly because of the amount of alcohol in his system.

Leeds Rhinos fan Mr King had worked as a mechanic for six years and was studying at East Leeds College one day a week for an apprenticeship.

Recording an accidental death verdict, West Yorkshire deputy coroner Richard Manning said: "I hope his death will not be in vain and those people who drink excessively will think about the tears of these parents and brother and sisters and will perhaps moderate their behaviour."

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Last week Kevin Reynard, clinical director for urgent care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, told a meeting it was unusual for a week to go by when there wasn't a death in which alcohol was a factor.

Last year there were 2,042 alcohol-related attendances at accident and emergency in Leeds.

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