Horwich squash player, 51, dies after game

12:33pm Friday 9th May 2008

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A KEEN sportsman collapsed and died after playing squash.

Philip Tatlock, aged 51, of Pennine Road, Horwich, became ill in the changing rooms at Clayton Green Leisure Centre in Chorley.

Despite frantic efforts to save him, he died at Chorley hospital.

The coroner's officer was informed and a post mortem examination revealed he died of natural causes, thought to have been a heart attack.

Mr Tatlock, who was married, was a regular squash and badminton player and had enjoyed a game with a colleague shortly before his death on April 28.

Chorley leisure services contract manager, Christian Duff, said the incident had shocked the staff but he praised their professionalism.

He said: "The man was in the changing room after a game of squash with his playing partner when he collapsed. You can't prepare for something like this but all the staff did what they were trained to do."

The ambulance service was called and although the centre remained open, a section of the changing room was cordoned off for the paramedics.

Mr Duff added: "All the staff extend their sympathies to the family. As far as I'm aware, the gentleman died at hospital. I believe his family was with him. We've not been informed of the cause of death."