Latics Samaritan stunned by death of Everton fan

A GROUP of Latics fans were devastated by their failed attempts to save the life of an Everton supporter following Tuesday’s FA Cup game.

Kenny Hopwood from Royton performed heart massage and managed to restore the pulse of a man in his 60s who had suffered a suspected heart attack near the Everton ground.

Kenny, who works for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, was with a group of Latics fans when he heard cries for help.

“A lad who’s dad had collapsed was shouting for an ambulance. I offered my services while he went to phone.

“We got the man out of the car and I performed CPR. The ambulance arrived within a few minutes.”

There were signs of life from the man, believed to be from Colne in Lancashire, before he fell unconscious again and was rushed to hospital. Mr Hopwood and his friend Martin Thomas later heard the man had died.

Mr Thomas said: “We passed on our details to the son when his dad went in the ambulance.

“Kenny’s actions were quick and unbelievable, but we are all gutted at the news and our condolences go out to the gentleman’s family.”