An inquest has ruled that Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell's death from multi-organ failure after complications from necessary surgeries at the Royal Free Hospital could not have been prevented. The 64-year-old, from Pontypridd, died on March 13, and an inquest at St Pancras Coroner's Court on Friday concluded that his death was not avoidable.
Background and medical history
Campbell, who was a member of Motörhead from 1984 until the band disbanded in 2015, had a history of drinking alcohol to "excess" but had been sober for seven years at the time of his death. He had previously been treated for hepatitis C and was receiving care for cirrhosis in Cardiff.
A scan taken in Cardiff in the autumn revealed cancer on his liver, prompting his care to be transferred to the Royal Free Hospital, whose liver transplant department is internationally recognised. Assistant coroner Dr Richard Brittain told the court: "This was thought to be the best chance of a cure for his cancer."
Transplants and complications
At the Royal Free, Campbell underwent the first of two liver transplants. He experienced significant blood loss, and after the transplant there were signs that the new organ was not functioning properly. He was then placed on the NHS super-urgent liver transplant waiting list for a second transplant, returning to theatre on February 27.
Dr Brittain said: "It was recognised he was going into the operation exceedingly unwell and with multi-organ failure. However the transplant team looking after him at the time thought that he wasn't too sick to be retransplant futile and they thought it was more appropriate to proceed."
Final days and inquest findings
Following the second transplant, Campbell developed sepsis and a bowel infection. He underwent another operation to remove his large bowel and parts of his small bowel before being moved to intensive care, where his condition deteriorated rapidly. He died in hospital on March 13, with Dr Brittain recording the cause of death as multi-organ failure.
Todd Campbell, who was in court, raised questions from the family about his father's care at the Royal Free. Dr Brittain concluded: "Overall it was felt his death was not avoidable. In my view there is nothing here that suggests that his death would have been prevented."
At the time of his death, Campbell's family described him in a social media post as a "devoted husband, a wonderful father and a proud and loving grandfather known affectionately as 'Bampi'." They added: "He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever."
Motörhead was founded in 1975 by bass player and singer Ian Kilmister, known as "Lemmy". The band had a string of top 10 albums including the 1980 hit Ace of Spades.
