Diners frantically rushed to help a retired footballer who suddenly fell ill and died during a meal out at a restaurant.
Neil “Cammy” Campbell, 45, who played more than 400 games in his career for the likes of York City and Scarborough, had been out at Uno Ristorante in Yarm, north Yorks, when tragedy struck.
Several other diners who were medically trained rushed to help but were unable to save the dad of two’s life, Teesside Live reported.
One close friend paid tribute to Neil, saying he was the "nicest lad you’d ever meet off the pitch."
He said: "Life long friend of more than 30 years, only spoke with him two days ago. I still can’t properly process it just yet.
“Thinking of all the family at this sad time. Goodnight mate, love you."
Another added: "Rest in peace Mr. Campbell!
“I’m going to miss our daily arguments, but I will never forget the moments when I laughed with you."
The shocking scenes happened on Saturday at around 7pm.
Several people rushed to attempt to find a defibrillator while a doctor on a night out attempted to save his life.
The restaurant said in a statement: “With great sadness in our hearts, we tragically announce the passing of a guest last night.
“We thank the doctor and medically trained customers who were in dining who did everything they could, and the Emergency Response Team that arrived very fast.
"We thank all our diners for accepting that we had to evacuate during this tragic incident. “Uno Ristorante offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends at this sad time.
“We ask for respect to the family in this sad time and we do not wish to comment further."
Several clubs from Mr Campbell’s career also paid tribute, including Scarborough, where he enjoyed two spells.
A spokesman for the Scarborough Athletic, formed in 2007 when the club went out of business, said: “We are deeply saddened to understand of the sudden passing of former player, Neil Campbell.
“Neil Campbell, who enjoyed two spells with Scarborough FC in the Football League between 1995-1997 and again in the Conference under Russell Slade in 2002-03.
"His former clubs include York City, Barrow and Doncaster Rovers, Southend United and Leigh RMI alongside his two spells with Scarborough FC. Neil was a character, loved by so many and maintained an interest in Scarborough, years after he moved on to pastures new, attending the Legends Game events, held over the past three years.
"We would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Neil's family and friends as we woke up to the very sad news this morning."
A spokeswoman for the Cleveland Police added: "Police were contacted by ambulance service colleagues just before 8.10pm last night while they were treating a man who had become seriously unwell while out for a meal in Yarm.
"Officers attended and very sadly the man - who was in his 40s - was pronounced deceased shortly afterwards. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.
“All our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time."
