Pavel Srnicek died wearing a Newcastle United jacket of a ‘hidden’ heart condition, according to his brother Milan
Former Toon keeper collapsed while out jogging a year ago today, passing away nine days after being put in an induced coma
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TRAGIC Pavel Srnicek was wearing a Newcastle United jacket when he collapsed and died of a "hidden" heart condition.
According to his brother, the popular Magpies goalkeeper was a Toon hero until the end and was wearing a piece of his beloved club’s merchandise when he suffered a massive heart attack while jogging.
His brother Milan Srnicek, 43, was told by doctors that Pavel - who called his autobiography 'Pavel is a Geordie' - had a heart defect that appears in many people and causes numerous deaths.
He recalls the moment a year ago today (20th December 2015) when he saw Pavel dying on the ground.
Milan said: "My friend called me and told me that somebody in a Newcastle jacket is lying on the ground so I was running there."
When Milan came to the place where his brother Pavel had collapsed, paramedics and firemen were there already.
Milan said: "Pavel was hard to recognise. He fell on the ground and his face was covered with blood. It was really bad."
Pavel was placed in an induced coma at a hospital in his native Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
But he died nine days later on 29th December, when his life support was turned off due to irreversible brain damage.
Milan said: "Even before the Christmas Eve I knew that Pavel's chances were about two percent.
"The hope was too little and it had influence on Christmas. It seemed that there was no way back for Pavel.
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Pavel’s close friends and family were told by doctors that he died from a heart defect, described by Milan as "some kind of hidden illness."
Pavel was popular with Newcastle fans and even after he returned to the Czech Republic he would join up with stag parties or have coffee with expat Geordies.
His funeral was held in his hometown on 4th January 2016. Mourners included his Newcastle understudy Steve Harper and Czech teammate Pavel Nedved.
In October this year Milan was invited by Alan Shearer to a match to commemorate the ex-Magpies goalkeeper.
Milan came on in goal as a second-half substitute for Steve Harper as Alan Shearer’s Entertainers side drew 2-2 with a Manchester United Select XI.
Milan said: "I did not feel well and I was nervous but I did not want to deny the invitation. But after all it was amazing and moving."
He said that there is a possibility that he will participate in other similar events.
"I have been in touch with Pavel's manager in England and I am happy for every memory."
Pavel also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham before retiring.
He went on to work as a goalkeeping coach for his own private school and for Sparta Prague.
Footballers from Sparta Prague recently laid flowers at a tribute to Pavel.
Milan added: "It is nice that so many people commemorate him."