Alfie John Head, a promising 18-year-old goalkeeper for the University of Lincoln’s lacrosse team, was found unresponsive in his dorm room on November 14, 2023. The cause of his death was revealed by the coroner on February 28, 2024.
The university student from Lincolnshire, England, succumbed to alcohol poisoning after consuming an entire bottle of vodka during a sports team social event.
Head died in the intensive care unit at Lincoln County Hospital on the day he was found unresponsive.
Having started his university journey in September 2023, Head’s life tragically ended just two months later. The inquest into his death found that he died from a hypoxic brain injury caused by aspiration pneumonia, which resulted from acute alcohol toxicity.
The events that led to Head’s hospitalization started at a Lacrosse Society social event, where he consumed the full bottle of vodka, shocking his peers. His condition quickly worsened after he collapsed while returning to his dorm. Paramedics arrived shortly after midnight, but by then, Head was already in cardiac arrest.
The details of that fatal night were relayed by Jayne Wilkes, the Area Coroner for Lincolnshire, and PC Thomas Jacobs from Lincolnshire Police, who responded to the emergency. Jacobs confirmed the sequence of events based on accounts from Head’s friends.
Head’s death has greatly impacted his family, friends, and the Lacrosse Society. Known for his vibrant personality, passion for gaming, and support for Arsenal FC, Head was recognized for his willingness to join the lacrosse team despite having no previous experience in the sport. His family from Hertford remembered him as a cherished presence who was excited about becoming an uncle.
In a moving Facebook post, Head’s father, Mark, 54, described the distressing phone call he received about his son’s critical condition and the subsequent struggle in the ICU. The post also reflected on Alfie’s happiness and fulfillment at university, which contrasted greatly with the circumstances of his death.
The Lacrosse Society at the University of Lincoln expressed their deep sorrow over losing Head, noting his significant role in the team as a “life and soul” member and a promising goalkeeper.
This incident underscores the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, particularly in university settings known for social drinking events. The University of Lincoln and its students’ union extended their condolences to Head’s family and friends, offering support to those affected by the loss.
