A dad-of-three died on his daughter’s kitchen floor after choking on his food while enjoying a Sunday dinner.

Much-loved ‘family man’ Stefan Laws, 53, died at his daughter’s home in Goole, in East Riding of Yorkshire, on November 25, 2018, after food got lodged in his airway.

He began to choke and his family and neighbours desperately tried to clear his throat by slapping his back and using the Heimlich manoeuvre.

At the inquest into his death on Tuesday, Hull Coroner’s Court heard that it was only after paramedics arrived that they were able to remove the potato, peas and Yorkshire pudding stuck in his throat.

Despite continuing extensive efforts to resuscitate him, Stefan died surrounded by his family.

Stefan leaves behind three children, who he raised mostly alone following the death of his wife after suffering with epilepsy.

His son Carl said: ‘He brought us up as mum and dad, not just our dad. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him, he was just a really caring person.

‘Everybody knew him as Big Stef, not just because of his size but because he had a big heart.

‘I don’t believe there’ll be anyone that’s so strong-minded yet so soft and kind-hearted.’

Stefan suffered from diabetes, which he managed with medication, but the court heard he thought he should eat his meals quickly to boost blood sugar levels.

At the inquest, area coroner Rosemary Baxter concluded that Stefan’s death was the result of a tragic accident.

Carl said the family, including Stefan’s five grandchildren, have been left devastated by his shock death.

His son Carl said: ‘It was such a massive shock to us. He died the day after my birthday and I’ve been trying to stay strong for my sisters and the rest of the family.

‘It’s something we’ll never get over, it’s something we have to support each other on.

‘They say time is a healer but how do you fix something that’s permanently broken? You can’t fix a broken heart.’

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