A POPULAR former sportsman died from a rare complication following a routine hospital procedure.

Kevan Jones was having fluid drained from his abdomen when he suffered multiple organ failure.

Bolton Coroner’s Court heard that the procedure appeared to be progressing well when Mr Jones suddenly lost consciousness and his heart stopped.

Although doctors were able to restart his heart, Mr Jones died minutes later as his lungs, kidneys and liver failed.

Mr Jones, agesd 66, of Hatherleigh Walk, Breightmet, was a keen footballer for Horwich RMI and cricketer with Astley Bridge.

He went to see his GP in January to complain of a swollen and painful abdomen.

He was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital in May after tests showed that he had cirrhosis of the liver caused by a rare genetic disorder.

A post mortem examination showed that the rapid deterioration which led to his death was brought on by the “fluid shift” he experienced as part of the procedure.

Consultant gastroenterologist Dr George Lipscomb said he had never before seen a patient die as a result of the procedure, called parasentesis, and he could find no reference to it in medical literature.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, deputy coroner Alan Walsh said Mr Jones had died as a result of the procedure despite it being carried out properly and without error.

He said: “Clearly this is a very complex case because it involves a very rare condition and a very rare consequence of parasentesis.”

Mr Jones’ son, Neil Jones, said: “He had enjoyed good health all his life and it was a terrible shock to the whole family when he died.”