A UNIVERSITY fresher, 18, died after drinking a bottle of vodka at a sports social, an inquest heard.

Alfie Head was studying at the University of Lincoln during his first term when he died on November 14 last year.

The court heard today how the young man died from a hypoxic brain injury as a direct consequence of aspiration pneumonia, which was caused by acute alcohol toxicity.

During the inquest, the area coroner for Lincolnshire, Jayne Wilkes, read out a statement from PC Thomas Jacobs of Lincolnshire Police.

PC Jacobs was called to Cygnet Wharf student housing in Lincoln shortly after midnight on November 9, due to reports of Alfie experiencing a cardiac arrest.

He observed multiple paramedics were already present in a bedroom.

The hearing revealed that PC Jacobs had a conversation with one of Alfie’s friends, who described that they had consumed alcohol earlier in the evening at a Lacrosse society social occurrence at a residence.

The friend detailed there had been a vodka bottle at “pre-drinks” which Alfie had “simply chugged”.

The friend stated that he was “amazed” that Alfie had drunk the bottle.

Alfie collapsed on the way home to Cygnet Wharf and his friends helped him get back.

The friend said that Alfie “went really bad, really quickly” and his breathing became inconsistent.

Paramedics arrived at the student accommodation just after midnight and found Alfie in cardiac arrest.

He passed away at Lincoln County Hospital on November 14 2023, post receiving intensive care unit treatment

In the inquest, the family description of Alfie was recited by the coroner. He was cherished, both within the family and at the university.

Alfie was noted to be on the cusp of becoming an uncle, an ardent gamer and a supporter of Arsenal. He had a promising future ahead of him, being “our little boy with a very bright future”.

The family further added that Alfie “always wore a happy smile”.

The inquest heard how Alfie joined the Lacrosse society at university having never played the sport before and he was “so proud” to be on the team.

Concluding the inquest, the coroner confirmed that Alfie’s death was alcohol-related.

Ms Wilkes thanked the family for their support of the inquest and said “I would like to express my sympathies for their loss”, adding the death was “a loss in such tragic circumstances”.

Tributes previously flooded in for bright Alfie, originally from Hertford.

Posting on Facebook, Alfie’s heartbroken dad Mark Head, 54, wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that Clair and I have to say Alfie passed away peacefully today.

“He was the happiest we’ve ever seen him at Lincoln University and was having the time of his life.”

“Getting a phone call at 1.30am saying your son was critically ill in ICU is the hardest thing a parent will ever receive.”

“He fought bravely but the odds were stacked against him. Sleep well son and we will meet again.”

A representative for Lacrosse at Lincoln University expressed: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our team member, Alfie. He brought joy and was a highly respected member of our team, with promising talents as a new goalkeeper.

“He was beloved by all and his absence will be felt intensely. Our deepest sympathy and condolences are with Alfie’s friends and family in this hard time.

“No further statements will be made by either the Students’ Union or Lincoln Lacrosse.”