A UNIVERSITY fresher, 18, passed away after consuming an entire bottle of vodka at a sports social event, as reported at an inquest.

The deceased, Alfie Head, was a student at the University of Lincoln studying his first term when he tragically passed away on November 14 of the previous year.

The court proceedings today elaborated on how the young student suffered a hypoxic brain injury that was the direct result of aspiration pneumonia, an ailment caused by acute alcohol toxicity.

During this inquest, Jayne Wilkes, the area Coroner for Lincolnshire, recited a statement provided by PC Thomas Jacobs of the local Police force.

Just after midnight on November 9, PC Jacobs was summoned to the student accommodation at Cygnet Wharf, Lincoln, in response to the report of Alfie’s cardiac arrest.

In one of the bedrooms, he found numerous paramedics already on location.

The inquest reported that one of Alfie’s friends, who was present during the social event of the Lacrosse society earlier in the night, spoke with PC Jacobs about the circumstances. According to him, Alfie had consumed a great deal of alcohol.

The friend narrated that during the “pre-drinks”, Alfie “just downed” a bottle of vodka.

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, having been cared for in the intensive treatment unit.

In the inquiry, a family written testimony shared by the coroner portrayed Alfie as deeply cherished both in his family home and at his university.

The account also emphasized that Alfie was excited about becoming an uncle soon, was an enthusiastic gamer, an ardent supporter of

Arsenal, and was recognized as “our little boy who has a brilliant future in the offing.”

They added, Alfie was always graced with a smile on his face.

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 spokesman for Lacrosse at Lincoln University expressed deep sorrow over the passing of their beloved member, Alfie, who was adored by all and played a vital role as the new goalkeeper. He stated, “We are deeply grieved by Alfie’s demise. He was the heart of our team and a significantly valued member.”

“Alfie was extremely loved and his absence will profoundly be felt. We extend our profound thoughts and sympathy to Alfie’s family and friends in this time of distress.”

“No further comments will be made by the Students’ Union and Lincoln Lacrosse.”