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Former policeman dies in Bristol after testing positive for coronavirus
A 59-year-old man from Nailsea has died at the BRI after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Former police officer Nick Matthews, who had a pre-existing medical condition, died in the early hours of Saturday morning.
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Writing on Facebook, Nick’s wife Mary said: “People who may have come into contact with either Nick or me during the past two weeks need to self-isolate and get advice.
“Although he tested positive, until a post-mortem examination, we can’t say that was cause of death at the moment. I don’t want to panic people, but I do want people to take extra precautions.”
Mary and Nick Matthews had recently returned from holiday in the Canary Islands – photo: Facebook
Nick was a former police officer stationed with Clevedon CID and the Weston-super-Mare child protection unit, who had several commendations for his work.
He was also manager of the Glasshouse pub football team for many years, and was chairman of the Kingshill Friends Association.
Mary and Nick had recently returned from a holiday in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.
Mary added that she and her children, Charlotte and Ben, “are beyond proud to have had such a big character in our lives”.
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A University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, and had tested positive for COVID-19, has died.
“The patient who died was in his late fifties and had underlying health conditions.
“The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family’s privacy.”
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees tweeted: “My deepest sympathies to the family of the North Somerset resident that tested positive for coronavirus and sadly died at the BRI. Thank you to the wonderful hospital staff and our colleagues in Public Health England who are working round the clock to protect Bristol residents.
“I am touched by the huge efforts in communities to rally together and look out for each other. It is this community spirit that will help us all get through this, and what makes me proud to call Bristol home. Thank you, and stay safe.”
Main photo: Facebook
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