Mohamed Nassar, a 58-year-old Tesco security guard, has died after choking on a doughnut while at work, 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 eating a doughnut to take medication when he choked and collapsed on the shop floor, causing fellow staff and customers to scream, according to a family member. Paramedics resuscitated him at the scene before he was taken to hospital. However, his heart stopped for 23 minutes, leaving him severely brain damaged, his loved ones said. He never regained consciousness and died on Sunday, June 22, after ventilation was withdrawn.
Family tribute
In a statement to the Manchester Evening News, 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, moved to Manchester from London in 2020 and lived in Ardwick. He was a former musician and had worked for a third-party security company for about five years. His son Seif Abdelwaneis, 23, said his mother Nancy Elkarnshawy and sisters Nariman, 28, and Malak, 14, were shocked by the news.
Family's financial struggles
The family said they are facing significant financial difficulties due to the tragedy and are seeking legal assistance. They thanked supporters for their prayers during his hospitalisation. 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."
A fundraiser set up for the family will now go towards funeral costs and financial support.
