Dad collapses and dies at son's funeral as coffin is carried into chapel

A dad has collapsed and died at thefuneral of his own sonas his coffin was being carried into chapel.

Norman White, 61, from Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, wasattending the funeral of his son David Beilicki at St Bede's Chapel at Teesside Crematorium when he is thought to have suffered a massive heart attack.

The medical emergency reportedly happened as David's coffin was being carried into the chapel.

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Norman's 41-year-old son David was found dead on a relative's sofa after a long-term battle with addiction. His death was exactly 10 years after the memorial service for his stillborn twin sons.

David's sister Chantelle said he had been staying clean from drugs and had been making progress with his recovery at the time of his death. She said the series of events that ended with their father's death were like the scenes of a tragic movie.

The 42 year old mother-of-four said: "It has been so traumatic, you wouldn't ever think of anything like this happening, you couldn't write it."

An investigation into David's death, which happened on July 31, is ongoing. His funeral took place on August 21. Chantelle said: "When we got into the chapel and sat down, I looked around and said 'where's my dad?'"

She was then told that Norman had collapsed, which lead her to race outside, according to Teesside Live.

The chapel was cleared whilst paramedics were summoned and Norman was rushed to hospital. His sister accompanied him in the ambulance whilst the remaining family members continued with the funeral service before receiving the heartbreaking news that Norman, a father-of-seven, had died.

Their passing has created an enormous void in their families' lives, with Chantelle saying she's battling to cope with the devastating news. She explained that Norman had no prior cardiac issues.

She remarked: "I think he must have died from a broken heart. I think seeing all the family together like that must have been too much."

For over a week following David's funeral service, Chantelle described being in complete shock, unable to process what had occurred. Despite his substance abuse struggles, she said David - who was also father to his grown-up son Ethan and nine year old Jaxon - was deeply cherished by all who knew him.

She commented: "He had a heart as big as the ocean. He is so missed."

David resided with her and her household on Overdale Road in Park End, and she explained: "My kids are devastated. The whole place just isn't the same without him." Chantelle revealed Norman was passionate about boxing and continued coaching others.

She described him as an extremely private individual who was nevertheless widely recognised and well-liked. She said: "He was my dad and I idolised him."

Chantelle wanted to commend the team at Rose Funerals, stating: "They were fantastic throughout the traumatic event. Our family could not have got through that day without them. They were patient, caring and went through every emotion with us, all the time they were working to save my dad although they were traumatised too".

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