Hubby chokes to death on steak at 57th anniversary dinner

A DEVOTED husband died in front of his wife after choking in a restaurant on their wedding anniversary.

The tragedy happened when Michael Pitts, 84, was eating steak on the romantic night out with Joan, 78. The couple were toasting 57 years as husband and wife this week. Distressed Joan said: “It was a freak accident. It was just him and I having the meal. He was a wonderful husband for 57 years.”

Joan looked on as staff at the Grapevine Restaurant in Odiham, near Basingstoke, Hampshire, gave her husband emergency first aid. Yesterday, Joan, who lives in Old Basing, near the popular bistro, said: “It was a tragic accident. But I must stress the restaurant were absolutely fantastic.”

Michael was rushed by ambulance to North Hampshire Hospital on Monday, where he was confirmed dead. An inquest, adjourned until September, was told he died from asphyxia.

Food is a common cause of choking in the elderly.

Living alone, having dentures or difficulty swallowing can increase risk.