WELL known Ipswich businessman Geoff Baker died when he choked on a piece of meat an inquest heard.Mr Baker who owned car business, Whip Street Motors, collapsed and died in November while he was out having a meal with his son Greg.
By Tracey Sparling
WELL known Ipswich businessman Geoff Baker died when he choked on a piece of meat an inquest heard.
Mr Baker who owned car business, Whip Street Motors, collapsed and died in November while he was out having a meal with his son Greg.
At an inquest at Suffolk County Hall, Ipswich, East Suffolk coroner Peter Dean learned that Mr Baker had been eating a mixed grill at the Man in the Moon pub in Palmcroft Road in the town on the night that he died.
He was a regular at the pub, often going there with his wife Susan, and was also a familiar face in the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe Ferry.
On recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Dean said yesterday : "What we have here is a very tragic accident.
"The only thing that we can record is a verdict of accidental death."
After the inquest a tearful and devastated Mrs Baker said: "We all loved him.
"He should not have gone – he should still be here."
A former boxer, Mr Baker was a well-known sports personality in the area and was also a fan of football, rugby and golf.
The 61-year old had two branches of Whip Street Motors, one in Great Whip Street, Ipswich and the other in Paper Mill Lane, Bramford.
He started the business himself 40 years ago from a hand cart.
His sudden death devastated his wife and their four sons, Charlie 22, Jodie 21, Kevin 20 and Greg, 19.
He also had an elder son, Jamie from a previous marriage who had been involved with Mr Baker's business since he left school.
The inquest heard that on Saturday November 17, Mr Baker was having a meal alone with his son, as his wife could not make it that night.
A statement by Greg Baker was read out during the inquest and revealed that his father had suddenly stood up and pulled a piece of meat from his mouth.
Although he did not cry out or say anything Mr Baker then collapsed.
He was placed in the recovery position on the floor and resuscitation was attempted but Mr Baker died in Ipswich hospital.
A post mortem showed that Mr Baker had died when a piece of meat became stuck in his larynx.
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