Graham Douglas died at Arrowe Park Hospital four days after drowning in a steak sandwich at Dinorben Arms in Beaufort.  The pub’s customers and staff desperately tried to help Mr Douglas, but by the time paramedics were able to remove the food, he had been unconscious for more than half an hour.
A search of Ruthin today uncovered the popular 73-year-old retired instrument technician, known as “Chunky”, who died at Arrowe Park Hospital on November 14 last year.  Mr. Douglas of Summertrees Road, Great Sutton, was with 15 members of the Triumph Owners Club’s Wirral branch that day. 
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In a statement read to the investigation, one of the team, Colin Robertson, said Mr. Douglas had just started eating the steak sandwich when he suddenly began to choke. Two other clients attempted to maneuver Heimlich but then lost consciousness. An off-duty nurse squeezed her chest until the paramedics arrived and, although they managed to remove the piece of meat, she was without oxygen for too long. Mr Douglas was taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital and later that day to Arrowe Park. The cause of death was given as hypoxic brain damage due to accidental drowning. Mr. Douglas Stewart’s brother told the investigation that he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise with riders through the North Wales Bikesafe Police program and was proud to be part of the Merseyside and Cheshire Blood Bikes team providing vital supplies. He also volunteered as a marshal on the Oulton Park track. He said: “He was one of the really good guys in life.” Mr Douglas’s members at the Wirral Triumph Owners said they “were part of the furniture” at the branch. A public statement on the branch’s website said: “It was part of the furniture at the Wirral branch, turning to closing time for a quick pint of cider and inevitably a few packs of chips. “His dedication to our club and the Triumph brand stands out afterwards – for 40 years I have never seen him in anything other than a Triumph. We have lost a true character that we will miss very much.” Recording the death toll from the accident, John Gittins, chief medical examiner for North and East Wales, said everyone who tried to help Mr Douglas should be commended for their efforts. Read more related articles Read more related articles