Rare heart infection led to death at 32 (From Gazette Series)

Rare heart infection led to death at 32

AN inquest into the death of former Cam man Mark Thomas Young, 32, was held on at Shire Hall, Gloucester, on July 13.

Mr Young, who lived in Ashmead Green before moving to Stroud, died in his sleep on January 30.

Pathologist Dr Jeremy Uff told assistant deputy coroner Sally Scanlon that the post mortem examination had proved inconclusive. It had shown that there was no trace of alcohol or drugs in Mr Young's blood and that there were some abnormalities in the heart.

Only detailed examination of tissue samples had revealed evidence of a rare infection of the heart, which often proves fatal without the correct medical attention. The infection is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to those of influenza, which Mr Young had complained of the day before he died.

Death was caused by acute myocarditis and a verdict of natural causes was recorded.

Mr Young was well known in Stroud and Dursley where he had lived most of his life. His particular interests were football and snooker and he had a great love of the outdoor life. He was an active and popular member of Stroud Gateway Club, where he had many friends, and represented the club at both swimming and in its football team.

In October 1992 Mr Young was a member of the Stroud Gateway team which competed in an international swimming gala in Switzerland when the team won the overall Challenge Cup and he achieved two gold medals and a fourth place. His exploits with the football team took him all over Britain and Ireland.

In April, Gateway Club organised a football tournament in Mark's memory at Stratford Park, Stroud where a minute's silence was observed before play started. Mr Young's younger brother, Gavin, and his parents presented the teams with their players' medals afterwards.

Money donated in lieu of flowers at Mr Young's funeral will go towards a snooker table at Stroud Gateway Club in his memory.